Postdoctoral Researcher: Real-Time Plasma Control & ML

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate control of Alfvén eigenmodes in tokamak plasmas and to develop real-time control strategies using Plasma Control System (PCS) and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) techniques. The work aims to improve energetic particle confinement and support high-performance plasma scenarios for future fusion reactors.

The successful candidate will apply machine learning and data-driven modeling alongside traditional physics-based

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.
• Experience in real-time control algorithms or fusion experiments preferred.
• Strong analytical, computational, or experimental research skills.
• Background in magnetic confinement fusion is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Study and control Alfvén eigenmodes in tokamak plasmas.
• Develop real-time PCS-based control strategies using ECH.
• Collaborate with experimental teams on DIII-D and related facilities.

Skills

Real-time control algorithms

Energetic particles & AEs physics

Machine learning & data-driven models

Electron cyclotron heating & current

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Job description

UC Irvine invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate control of Alfvén eigenmodes in tokamak plasmas and to develop real-time control strategies using Plasma Control System (PCS) and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) techniques. The work aims to improve energetic particle confinement and support high-performance plasma scenarios for future fusion reactors.

The successful candidate will apply machine learning and data-driven modeling alongside traditional physics-based