Real-Time Plasma Control Scientist

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks a Research Staff Scientist assigned to the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. The role advances real-time plasma exhaust monitoring, state estimation, and control for core-edge integration in fusion devices using physics-based and AI approaches.

You will develop and deploy real-time feedback-control capabilities in the Plasma Control System (PCS) and integrate high-resolution diagnostics. Occasional international travel is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or related field required.
• Post-PhD experience of 3+ years with strong analytical and English communication skills.
• Experience with real-time diagnostic development and PCS applications preferred.
• Expertise in feedback control of plasma exhaust and edge-plasma applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy real-time feedback-control on DIII-D for plasma exhaust control including divertor detachment.
• Lead real-time diagnostic and control activities on KSTAR and other devices.
• Interface with PCS development groups for implementation of real-time computing systems and software.
• Disseminate results via talks, posters, and refereed articles; pursue patents as applicable.

Skills

Real-time diagnostics

AI/ML model development

English communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or related field

Tools

Plasma Control System (PCS)

Real-time computing systems

Data streaming

Job description

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks a Research Staff Scientist assigned to the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. The role advances real-time plasma exhaust monitoring, state estimation, and control for core-edge integration in fusion devices using physics-based and AI approaches.

You will develop and deploy real-time feedback-control capabilities in the Plasma Control System (PCS) and integrate high-resolution diagnostics. Occasional international travel is expected.