Postdoctoral Scholar - Alfven eigenmode control for magnetic fusion (HeidbrinkGroup)

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Irvine seeks a postdoctoral researcher to study the control of Alfven eigenmodes in the DIII-D tokamak. The role involves developing real-time PCS-based control strategies and exploring ECH-assisted approaches to stabilize energetic-particle-driven instabilities in pursuit of high-performance fusion scenarios.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in physics or a related field and possess strong analytical, computational, or experimental skills; experience in magnetic

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field is required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate control of Alfven eigenmodes (AEs) in the DIII-D tokamak.
• Develop and implement Plasma Control System (PCS)-based real-time control strategies.
• Explore approaches using electron cyclotron heating (ECH) to modify AE stability and amplitude.
• Apply physics-based models, advanced control algorithms, and machine learning to experiments.

Skills

Real-time control

Alfven eigenmode physics

Machine learning

ECH heating and current drive

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

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

Open date: October 28, 2026

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

Final date: Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the control of Alfven 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 Alfven 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 Alfven 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:

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