Senior Plasma Diagnostics Research Scientist

San Diego Supercomputer Center; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA4) to develop plasma diagnostic techniques across multiple projects, coordinating with internal and external collaborators. The role involves independent planning and execution of advanced diagnostics, literature reviews, and the design of key experiments, with potential travel to partner sites.

You will lead and mentor students and postdocs, contribute to publications, and participate in grant activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or related field; PhD preferred
• Proven ability to disseminate scientific information with publications and presentations
• Experience with high voltage systems, pulsed power drivers and Class IV laser systems
• Extensive knowledge of plasma imaging diagnostics and analysis methods
• Broad computer skills including data management and statistics
• Ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks
• Ability to co-author peer-reviewed articles in Plasma Physics
• Commitment to mentorship and development of junior researchers
• Excellent oral and written communication, lead-author publications and presentations

Responsibilities

• Develop plasma diagnostic aspects of multiple projects and coordinate research efforts
• Independently conceive, plan and conduct advanced diagnostics based on literature and advances in the field
• Contribute novel ideas, design key experiments and develop new techniques
• Author or co-author scientific journal manuscripts and contribute to grant writing
• Direct and advise graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral researchers
• Present findings at lab meetings and conferences; participate in administrative tasks
• Support laboratory operations and maintenance; travel to sites like Cornell/UMich/Sandia as needed

Skills

Programming languages

High voltage systems

Pulsed power drivers

Class IV laser systems

Statistics

Databases

Task prioritization

Mentorship

Scientific communication

Peer-reviewed publications

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Pulsed power equipment

High voltage systems

Laser systems

Job description

UC San Diego is seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA4) to develop plasma diagnostic techniques across multiple projects, coordinating with internal and external collaborators. The role involves independent planning and execution of advanced diagnostics, literature reviews, and the design of key experiments, with potential travel to partner sites.

You will lead and mentor students and postdocs, contribute to publications, and participate in grant activities.