Postdoctoral Research Associate - Tokamak Physics and Control (Experimental)

Princeton Plasma Control Group; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Control Group at Princeton University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Experimental) to design and run tokamak experiments focusing on active plasma control, stability, and performance optimization. The role involves developing real-time control algorithms, rigorous data analysis, and collaboration with multi-institution teams to advance fusion research.

The position offers opportunities to mentor students, contribute to proposals, and disseminate results through

Qualifications

• Strong physics and research skills relevant to experimental plasma and tokamak physics.
• Experience in designing, conducting, and troubleshooting tokamak and plasma control experiments.
• Experience with data analysis using statistical methods and scientific computing tools.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments on tokamak facilities focusing on plasma control, stability, and performance optimization.
• Develop and implement real-time control algorithms for tokamak experiments.
• Perform detailed data analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
• Collaborate with multi-institutional teams to advance fusion research.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and present results at group meetings and conferences.
• Mentor students and contribute to proposal development.

Skills

Physics

Data analysis

Experiment design

Real-time control

Python

MATLAB

Communication

Education

PhD in physics or closely related field

Tools

LabVIEW

Data acquisition

Job description

Company Description

The Plasma Control Group at Princeton University, led by Professor Egemen Kolemen, focuses on enabling economically viable fusion reactors by integrating advanced engineering and physics analysis. The group’s work spans machine learning–based control of fusion plasmas on leading tokamaks such as DIII-D, NSTX-U, KSTAR, and future ITER applications. Additional research areas include stellarator optimization via the DESC suite, liquid metal experiments and simulations, low-temperature plasma diagnostics, and fusion systems costing and valuation. The team consists of research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, students at multiple levels, and visiting scholars, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Further information about projects and publications is available at control.princeton.edu.

Role Description

This full-time, on‑site Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Tokamak Physics and Control (Experimental) is based in San Diego, CA. The role involves designing and conducting experiments on tokamak facilities, focusing on plasma control, stability, and performance optimization. The associate will develop and implement real‑time control algorithms, perform detailed data analysis, and collaborate with multi‑institutional teams to advance fusion research. Daily activities include experimental planning, data interpretation, preparation of scientific manuscripts, and presentation of results at group meetings and conferences. The position also offers opportunities to mentor students, contribute to proposal development, and support the broader goals of the Princeton Plasma Control Group.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Physics and Research skills relevant to experimental plasma and tokamak physics.
• Candidates should possess Laboratory Skills for designing, conducting, and troubleshooting tokamak and plasma control experiments.
• Candidates should possess Data Analysis skills, including statistical methods, signal processing, and use of scientific computing tools.
• Candidates should possess Teaching and mentoring skills to support students and contribute to a collaborative research environment.
• Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a closely related field, completed or near completion.
• Experience with tokamak or fusion experiments, plasma diagnostics, or real‑time control systems is strongly beneficial.
• Proficiency in programming languages and tools commonly used in scientific research (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) is advantageous.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.