Postdoc: UCLA Fusion Simulation Center

University of California, Los Angeles: Physics & Astronomy; Los Angeles (CA); Sur place; USD 64 000 - 79 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

University of California, Los Angeles: Physics & Astronomy is seeking a postdoctoral scholar in Fusion Simulation to develop optimized fusion power plant configurations using advanced simulation tools. The role requires a Ph.D.

in plasma physics or related fusion technology and a strong background in fusion simulation, with opportunities to collaborate across the UCLA Fusion Simulation Center and external partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plasma physics or closely related fusion technology.
• 3+ years of experience with a demonstrated background in fusion simulation.
• Ability to work autonomously and tackle highly complex technical issues.

Responsabilités

• Use simulation suites to develop optimized configurations for fusion power plants or testbeds.
• Write software modules addressing specific facets of the challenge.
• Investigate aspects of power plant solutions, from plasma science to materials behavior.
• Provide support to other users, including students and projects.
• Generate scientific deliverables including journal papers and conference talks.
• Pursue collaborative engagement within UCLA and with partners.
• Engage in validation exercises such as experimental tests on tokamaks or testbed devices.

Connaissances

Fusion simulation

Plasma physics

Software development

Collaboration

Formation

Ph.D. in plasma physics or related fusion tech

Outils

Fusion simulation tools

Description du poste

Fusion Energy represents one of the grand challenges for humankind, offering the prospect of limitless baseload electricity, an inherently safe configuration, with no significant greenhouse gases or nuclear waste. As a thriving fusion industry develops multiple promising concepts for fusion, it is vital to look ahead to solutions for continuous energy production. Thus, UCLA seeks to pioneer the steady state tokamak as a concept in its own right, and as a tensioner to drive the development of the many constituent science and engineering components of the challenge, that will drive broader benefits to the fusion field.

To this end, UCLA is establishing a Fusion Simulation Center to develop concepts for a compact fusion power plant that integrates foundational discovery plasma science, fusion science and engineering. The explicit goal is the development of robust and cost-effective configurations overall for fusion in steady state, as well as innovative approaches and advanced solutions in each of the technical fields and systems comprising a power plant. This work will thus serve as an integrating focus of a very broad range of activities across Engineering and Science at UCLA from energy extraction, blanket design, tritium breeding, and materials development to fundamental plasma science and efficient energy-confining plasma configurations.

Thus, the Department of Physics & Astronomy at UCLA seeks outstanding candidates as a postdoctoral scholar in the area of Fusion Simulation. Key responsibilities and tasks will include:

• Using simulation suites to develop optimized configurations for fusion power plants or other fusion testbed devices.
• Writing software modules to address specific facets of this challenge.
• Undertaking investigations into particular aspects of the power plant solutions (could range from fundamental discovery or fusion plasma science questions to technology aspects such as facets of blanket design or materials behavior, depending on skill of applicant.
• Support to other users as needed, including students and student projects in the center.
• Generate scientific deliverables including journal papers and conference talks.
• Pursuing collaborative engagement within UCLA and or other key partners to investigate particular issues and approaches.
• Potentially to engage in, or collaborate with validation exercises such as experimental tests on tokamaks or other testbed devices.

The successful candidate is expected to be able to operate with autonomy and grapple with highly complex technical issues, distilling them down to essential understanding for a working knowledge. Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field, 3+ years experience and a demonstrated background directly applicable to the tasks, including experience with fusion simulation activities on the science or engineering side. Specific understanding of relevant plasma science or fusion technology is essential, but may be weighted to the plasma science and/or fusion technology side.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. in plasma physics or a closely related fusion technology discipline -Technical excellence, experience in fusion and simulation -Project leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work well and collaboratively with many colleagues

Preferred qualifications

• Extensive fusion background or experience with integrated fusion simulation tools
• Ability to mentor others

POSITION OVERVIEW

Salary range:Starting $71,491

Review timeline:For full consideration in the first review of applicants, materials should be submitted by November 30, 2026.

APPLICATION WINDOW

Open date:October 19, 2026

Next review date:Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date:Sunday, Jan 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Publication List

• Statement of Research

Reference requirements

• 2-3 letters of reference required

Your letter will be available online for viewing by the search committee. We may include your letter in any future appointment file if an offer of employment is extended.