Description

Staff Research Physicist- Computational Fusion Physics

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2023-17122
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research and Laboratory

Princeton University

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is seeking to fill a Staff Research Physicist position in the Computational Sciences Department to help lead the development and application of the Gkeyll code for fusion energy applications. Gkeyll uses advanced discontinuous Galerkin algorithms to simulate plasmas with various levels of fidelity, including gyrokinetic simulations of plasma turbulence, which is important for determining and optimizing the performance of a fusion power plant. We seek energetic applicants who want to be at the forefront of high-performance computing with applications to fusion energy.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Responsibilities

A successful applicant will contribute to PPPL's mission by helping develop comprehensive computer simulations of turbulence in tokamaks and other fusion devices, applying these simulations to understand present experiments and predicting the performance of future fusion devices.

Core Duties:

• A successful applicant will work closely with the Gkeyll team to add new physics capabilities for modeling tokamaks and other fusion devices. This will involve extensive coding in C and higher-level scripting languages and optimization on parallel supercomputers. It will involve some theoretical work, in formulating equations and models of physical effects for the code, and in analysis to understand the resulting turbulence simulations and their comparisons with experiments. This person will also help coordinate and mentor activities of others in the Gkeyll team working on fusion applications.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in plasma physics or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with gyrokinetic equations and grid-based gyrokinetic simulations of turbulence in magnetic confinement fusion devices.
• Experience with plasma edge turbulence and discontinuous Galerkin algorithms is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive experience with software development and modern software practices, including C, parallel programming, and scientific programming and analysis tools.
• English communication and writing skills are required as is the ability to work in a dynamic and a fast moving team.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work arrangement.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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.

PI217660358