Modeling Physicist

LLNL; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 176,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Princeton, NJ seeks a Modeling Physicist to study edge fusion plasmas and plasma‑surface interactions using numerical simulations. You will join the Spherical Tokamaks Group, contributing to edge transport modeling for major tokamaks and future devices.

The role requires a PhD in plasma physics, strong modeling and coding skills, and the ability to publish in scientific journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics or related field with research experience.
• Strong background in edge plasma physics and plasma–surface interactions.
• Experience with numerical simulations and modeling methods.
• Ability to communicate technical results in writing and presentations.
• Proven ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct edge plasma simulations and analyze results to extract physical understanding.
• Compare data from two‑dimensional codes to evaluate model behavior and accuracy.
• Collaborate to guide simulations with experimental data and develop new models.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in plasma physics

Tools

Python

Matlab

UEDGE

SOLPS

EDGE2D

EMC

EIRENE

ERO

Job description

• Job Code 1: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable
• Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Modeling Physicist in the field of edge plasma physics for magnetic fusion energy devices. You will apply expertise in numerical simulation to understand problems in edge fusion plasmas and plasma-surface interactions. The research aims to develop new edge transport and plasma-surface interaction models and simulations in support of experiments in the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment in Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Mega-Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade in Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Culham, the UK, the SPARC tokamak at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens, Massachusetts and in support of future lithium divertor concepts. This position is in the Spherical Tokamaks Group, Fusion Energy Sciences Program of the Extreme Light, Matter and Fusion Directorate.

The primary work location will be at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey.

In this role, you will

• Conduct research in edge plasma simulations, analyze simulation results, and provide physics understanding of results.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis and compare simulation results across two-dimensional, multi-fluid edge plasma codes to evaluate model behavior, consistency, and physical accuracy.
• Work as a team member to guide and compare simulation and existing experimental data.
• Collaborate in the development of new edge plasma physics and plasma-surface interaction models.
• Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics, related technical discipline or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in magnetic confinement fusion edge plasma physics and plasma-surface interaction physics.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in numerical simulations and modeling methods.
• Advanced experience and knowledge of magnetic confinement fusion plasma codes.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications and deliver scientific presentations.
• Experience working independently with minimal direction and effective interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate and work in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with developing and implementing edge plasma physics models.
• Experience with 2D edge plasma codes, e.g., UEDGE, SOLPS, EDGE2D, EMC, EIRENE, ERO.
• Experience with data analysis tools and algorithms in Python, Matlab, or similar language.
• Knowledge of tokamak operation and interpretation of experimental data.
• Knowledge of edge plasma diagnostic techniques and atomic physics.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

None required.However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply