Computational Plasma Physicist

Hitachi Ventures GmbH; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision)

Employee equity stock options

20 days PTO

Job summary

A cutting-edge energy research firm is seeking a motivated Computational Plasma Physicist to work on advancing stellarator systems. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Plasma Physics or related fields and strong skills in computational physics. Responsibilities include developing algorithms for stellarator optimization and conducting fusion plasma simulations. The position offers a salary range of $120,000 - $140,000 and comprehensive health benefits, along with 20 days PTO.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, or related field, or master's with relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms to analyze and improve stellarator configurations.
• Conduct simulations of fusion plasma behavior in stellarators.
• Collaborate with teams to refine designs and improve systems' performance.
• Prepare technical reports and publications based on findings.

Skills

Computational Plasma Physics

MHD Stability

Programming (Python, Fortran, C++, MATLAB)

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

PhD in Plasma Physics or related field

Master's degree with 2+ years experience

Tools

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Stellarator Design Codes (DESC, STELLOPT, VMEC, etc.)

Job description

About Thea Energy

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

Position Overview

We are seeking highly motivated Computational Plasma Physicists to join our team, focusing on stellarator and fusion plasma physics simulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in computational physics, with a particular emphasis on MHD stability in stellarators and stellarator optimization. You will work with minimal supervision, contributing to cutting‑edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement algorithms for analyzing and improving stellarator configurations.
• Conduct simulations and analysis of fusion plasma behavior in stellarators, using advanced computational models.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to refine designs and improve the performance of stellarator systems.
• Perform data analysis, model validation, and provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing plasma behavior.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.

Required Experience & Skillsets

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, or master’s degree in relevant field with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.
• Experience with stellarators is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with any of the stellarator design, stability or transport codes such as DESC, STELLOPT, VMEC, TERPSICHORE, M3DC‑1, GX, GENE‑3D.
• Understanding of optimized stellarator magnetic field generation and coil optimization techniques.
• Experience in high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Company Benefits

• Salary range $120,000 - $140,000
• Comprehensive health benefits (e.g., medical/dental/vision)
• Employee equity stock options
• 20 days PTO

Diversity and Inclusion

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.