Associate Research Physicist - Strategic Science Initiative (SSI)

Overview The successful candidate will play a leading role in the development of a vertical multi-energy x-ray diagnostic on the WEST tokamak and its 2D tomographic integration with an existing radial view to enable a complete inference of core soft x-ray (SXR) emissivity profiles across multiple energy ranges simultaneously. This advanced diagnostic capability will be applied to study particle and thermal transport and to investigate the behavior of energetic electrons in lower hybrid current drive experiments. The multi-energy x-ray tomography system will also provide two-dimensional measurements of electron temperature and impurity content, focusing mainly on nitrogen and tungsten.

The proposed work aims to exploit also a new real-time diagnostic data effort in combination with theory, state-of-the-art computational modeling, and a rigorous verification and validation (V&V) framework developed by PPPL in collaboration with national and international partners. WEST is a long-pulse tokamak equipped with all-tungsten plasma-facing components, whose mission is to develop and understand the physics of steady-state, reactor-relevant plasma scenarios applicable to ITER and future fusion reactors.

Responsibilities:

In addition to leading the implementation of the multi-energy x-ray cameras, the successful candidate will be responsible for their calibration, operation, and data analysis. The candidate will actively participate in the WEST research program, including proposing and executing experiments as well as contributing to experiments led by other members of the WEST team. The role involves primary responsibility for the development of the data analysis codes required to interpret diagnostic results. The candidate may also work with one or more Ph.D. students or postdoctoral researchers to accomplish these goals. It is expected that the candidate will publish the results of their work in refereed journals and present them at major international conferences.

Experience has shown that applying deep diagnostic and operational expertise provides strong synergistic benefits and accelerates scientific progress. Consequently, direct, in-person involvement of researchers is essential for successful diagnostic and hardware implementation The successful candidate will collaborate at PPPL in Princeton, New Jersey and with the CEA Cadrache team.:

Qualifications:

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, atomic physics or a closely related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experimental experience on fusion devices and demonstrated expertise in tokamak diagnostics, x-ray measurements and plasma and core fusion physics. Experience in data analysis and proficiency in modern x-ray tomographic programming techniques are highly desirable. Areas of interest for development using the multi-energy SXR and HXR diagnostic suite include thermal and impurity transport, MHD equilibrium, RF heating and current drive, runaway electron physics, and the study of thermal and current quenches. While not required, proficiency in French is desirable and may facilitate day-to-day interactions on site. The international teams operate primarily in English, so fluency in French is not essential.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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 for detail) No Physical Capacity Exam Required No Valid Driver's License Required No

#LI-BH1:

Salary Range $91,500 to $146,100