Strategic Science Initiative (SSI) Fellowship

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL); Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral researchers to serve as Associate Research Scientists and lead impactful research at a world-leading national laboratory in Princeton, NJ. Fellows will contribute to PPPL strategic priorities and open new research directions.

Successful candidates will join PPPL to conduct research across prioritized areas, publish and present findings, and collaborate with a mentorship network.

Qualifications

• PhD conferred within five years or by commencement of appointment.
• PhD in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering, computer science, physical chemistry, applied mathematics, or related field.
• Experience in topical area aligned with PPPL’s mission.
• Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to PPPL’s mission.
• Collaborate with PPPL researchers to develop and advance research ideas and projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in plasma physics

PhD in related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

High-performance computing

Job description

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral researchers with demonstrated leadership potential to play a major role in contributing to PPPL strategic priorities and opening new research directions at our national laboratory. Selected fellows will serve as Associate Research Scientists and will have the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world-leading research institution

Prioritized research areas include:

Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing

• Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology
• Using high performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations
• Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating and plasma-assisted catalysis and chemical synthesis

Fusion Science and Technology

• Developing gyrotron and next-generation beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance
• Engineering radiation-hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations
• Advancing the technical readiness of liquid metals for plasma-facing components and developing state-of-the-art models and theory for edge plasmas
• Contributing to the vibrant scientific research programs on domestic and international tokamak collaborations, with near-term focus on WEST and JT-60SA
• Understanding and predicting confinement in high beta plasmas typical of spherical tokamaks, including boundary physics and integrated control scenarios for NSTX-U
• Contributing to the optimization of tokamak and stellarator design

Super Intelligence

• Developing advanced superintelligence / machine learning (SI/ML) solutions for fusion science and operations
• Building and applying foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance
• Designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability and reduce operational costs

Discovery Plasma Science

• Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence and dynamos
• Increasing understanding of high-energy-density (HED) plasma processes including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy
• Advancing the science and technology of low-temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion

Successful candidates will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the range of scientific collaborations in which PPPL scientists participate. Fellows will lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL. Fellowship recipients are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, PPPL is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and electromanufacturing. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Responsibilities

• Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL’s mission.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• PhD. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
• PhD. in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering (e.g., nuclear, mechanical, electrical, materials, chemical, systems), computer science (e.g., advanced computing and AI for Science), physical chemistry, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Experience in topical area(s) aligned with PPPL’s mission.
• Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities (including unique software/hardware requirements)

• Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, high quality publication record, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance an engaged workforce, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.

Application Process

• To ensure consideration for the fellowship, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2027.
• Fellowship recipients must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2027.
• This position is a 3 year term assignment, renewable each year. PPPL strives to identify funding for a minimum of a 2 year term commitment.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

Standard Weekly Hours

40.00

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy