Postdoctoral Scholar - Alfven eigenmode control for magnetic fusion (Heidbrink Group)

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

Position Overview

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $71,491 - $90,000. The posted UC salary scale for Postdocs set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Postdoctoral Scholar Scale for the salary range.

Application Window

Open date: October 28, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Nov 27, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 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.

Position Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the control of Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) in the DIII-D tokamak. The research will explore innovative approaches to controlling energetic-particle-driven instabilities, with the goal of improving energetic particle confinement and advancing high-performance plasma scenarios for future fusion reactors.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and experimental implementation of Plasma Control System (PCS)-based real-time control strategies, including approaches that leverage electron cyclotron heating (ECH) to modify Alfvén eigenmode stability and amplitude. Opportunities include integrating physics-based models, advanced control algorithms, and machine learning with experiments on DIII-D.

Candidates should have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Real-time control algorithms
• Energetic particles and Alfvén eigenmode physics
• Machine learning and data-driven modeling
• Electron cyclotron heating and current drive

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, or a related field, along with strong analytical, computational, or experimental research skills. Experience in magnetic confinement fusion is desirable.

Department

https://www.physics.uci.edu

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Teaching Statement - See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement . (Optional)

Reference Requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Aff... .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA