Real-Time Plasma Control Scientist: AI & State Estimation

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 111,400 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International travel

Job summary

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Research Staff Scientist assigned to the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. The role will advance real‑time plasma exhaust monitoring and control, developing feedback‑control capabilities using physics‑based and AI state estimation, and integrating high‑resolution diagnostics within the Plasma Control System (PCS).

The successful candidate will lead real‑time diagnostic and control activities across multiple fusion devices,

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years' post‑PhD experience with strong analytical and English communication skills.
• Experience with real‑time diagnostics, PCS deployment, and AI/ML for real‑time control is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advance real‑time plasma exhaust monitoring and control for DIII-D, KSTAR, and other devices.
• Develop and deploy feedback‑control capabilities using physics‑based and AI state estimation.
• Interface with PCS developments and contribute to experimental campaigns and publications.

Skills

Post-PhD experience

Real-time diagnostic development

PCS application development

AI/ML for real-time diagnostics

Feedback control of plasma exhaust

Education

PhD in plasma physics or related field

Tools

Real-time computing systems

Data streaming

Job description

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Research Staff Scientist assigned to the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. The role will advance real‑time plasma exhaust monitoring and control, developing feedback‑control capabilities using physics‑based and AI state estimation, and integrating high‑resolution diagnostics within the Plasma Control System (PCS).

The successful candidate will lead real‑time diagnostic and control activities across multiple fusion devices,