Plasma Physics Staff Research Associate

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California San Diego is seeking a Plasma Physics Staff Research Associate to support pulsed power-driven plasma experiments and manage day-to-day operation of the Rama facility. The role involves operating complex drivers and diagnostics, coordinating with the PI to design experiments and present results to the team.

The incumbent will process data, use cameras and optical systems, and ensure safe handling of high voltage equipment. Occasional travel to partner labs is possible.

Qualifications

• Theoretical knowledge of Mechanical Engineering or Physics as obtained through a related degree and one year of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing data processing and analysis.
• Strong computer skills including experience for data and image analysis (python, ImageJ, Origin or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to use cameras, optics, and lasers.
• Demonstrated capability in the exercise of good experimental procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to maintain high-quality communication with PI and other lab members.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with high voltage equipment and pulsed power systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in an academic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with pulsed power-driven plasma experiments and day-to-day operation of the Rama facility.
• Operate the pulsed power driver, safety system and diagnostics for wire-load plasma studies.
• Process and present data to the PI and research team.
• Occasional travel to collaborate on experiments at partner labs such as Cornell, Michigan or Sandia.

Skills

Data processing

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication

High voltage safety

Laboratory procedures

Python

ImageJ

Origin

Education

Mechanical Engineering or Physics degree

Tools

Python

ImageJ

Origin

Job description

#141978 Plasma Physics Staff Research Associate

Payroll Title: SRA 1

Department: CNTR ENERGY RESEARCH

Hiring Pay Scale: $30.12 - $33.56 / Hour

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Limited Appointment

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: 8 hrs/day, Mon. - Fri.

Filing Deadline: Mon 11/9/2026

Job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by 11/09/26.

This is a 100% limited position for 1 year with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.

DESCRIPTION

Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the incumbent will assist with pulsed power-driven plasma experiments and will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Rama facility. Incumbent will coordinate with the PI to design and carry out experimental research.

They will operate the pulsed power driver, relevant safety system and associated diagnostics, primarily pertaining to the diagnosis of wire load plasmas for high energy density physics research. The incumbent will carry out data processing and presentation of results to the PIs research team.

The incumbent may occasionally also visit and assist in experiments on pulsed power experiments at Cornell University, the University of Michigan or Sandia National Laboratories

QUALIFICATIONS

• Theoretical knowledge of Mechanical Engineering or Physics as obtained through a related degree and one year of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing data processing and analysis.
• Strong computer skills including experience for data and image analysis (python, ImageJ, Origin or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to use cameras, optics, and lasers.
• Demonstrated capability in the exercise of good experimental procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to maintain high-quality communication with PI and other lab members.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely with high voltage equipment and pulsed power systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in an academic research environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
• This is a 100% limited position for 1 year with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $62,891 - $75,022 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $30.12 - $35.93

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.