Computational Scientist in the Artificial Intelligence for Science (AIScience)

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking a Computational Scientist in Artificial Intelligence for Science (AI4Science). This position involves leading AI/ML programs in fusion and plasma physics, emphasizing data assimilation, predictive modeling, and control systems. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. and possess at least 15 years of related experience. Responsibilities include mentoring a research team and collaborating with various departments. The position offers stable funding for three years and requires on-site work in Princeton, New Jersey.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment.
• Strong early-career profiles may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in collaboration and scientific leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML research projects, including foundational and applied research.
• Develop and submit research proposals to secure funding.
• Build and mentor a research team, including hiring and training staff.
• Collaborate with PPPL experimenters and Princeton University researchers.
• Publish and present original research findings.

Skills

AI/ML research

Scientific leadership

Data assimilation

Predictive modeling

Control systems

Publishing peer-reviewed research

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Computational Scientist in Artificial Intelligence for Science (AI4Science) to lead a long‑term AI/ML program aligned with DOE goals and PPPL Annual Laboratory Plans (ALP). The role encompasses foundational AI/ML research and application‑focused research in fusion and plasma physics, with emphasis on data assimilation, predictive modeling, control systems, and PDE solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML research projects, including foundational and applied research.
• Develop and submit research proposals to secure long‑term funding.
• Build and mentor a research team, including hiring and training staff.
• Collaborate with PPPL experimenters, theory department, and Princeton University researchers.
• Publish and present original research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or related field focused on AI/ML.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment. (Alternatively, a strong early‑career profile may be considered.)
• Track record of publishing peer‑reviewed research.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership and collaboration experience.

Desired Research Areas

• Machine Learning for Digital Twins, Foundation Models, and surrogates.
• Inference tools for interpretive analysis of experimental and simulation data.
• Foundational research in ML for PDEs.
• Algorithmic and methodological approaches for AI‑augmented HPC acceleration.
• AI‑augmented HPC systems and software at scale.
• Machine‑learning–driven control systems for real‑time experiment safety.
• Scalable hybrid AI‑HPC workflows.

Employment Details

Three‑year steady‑state funding with potential for extension based on performance. Day shift, on‑site, at PPPL.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.