Postdoctoral Research Associate of Physics (Experimental Plasma)

William and Mary, United States

Updated: about 21 hours ago
Location: Williamsburg, VIRGINIA
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Position Information
Position Information


Position Number F0405W
Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate of Physics (Experimental Plasma)
Unit Mission Statement
The Department of Physics has 25 instructional faculty members and 15+ physicists in research positions. The Physics Department strives for excellence in research in Nuclear and Hadronic Physics, High Energy Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, and Plasma Physics. The department maintains a vibrant theoretical and experimental in-house program and benefits from close proximity to and strong relationships with Jefferson Lab, one of the nation’s leading Department of Energy funded laboratories. The department also enjoys active collaborations with Fermilab, the nation’s leading high-energy accelerator laboratory.
The Department of Physics values equally both quality research and excellence in teaching. Teaching duties include classroom instruction and the effective mentorship of undergraduate and graduate research students. The undergraduate program offers both a major and a minor, and graduates about 30 majors per year. Undergraduate majors may choose a standard physics track, a pre-med track, or a track with a concentration of engineering physics and applied design classes. Undergraduate majors complete a capstone, senior, or honors research project, working closely with a faculty advisor, either individually or in small groups. Our graduate program offers 50+ students research opportunities to pursue a Ph.D. degree in any of the supported subfields. We seek to establish and nurture dynamic collaboration amongst faculty, postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, and undergraduate research students.
Position Summary
The Plasma Physics and Fusion Science (PPFS) group at William & Mary invites applications for a post-doctoral research position in experimental plasma fusion research, starting December 10th, 2023. The position is initially a one-year appointment, and renewable each year for a maximum of 3 years, based on performance and funding availability. The position will focus on plasma edge physics on the MAST-U facility in the United Kingdom, an exciting platform for advancing the science of spherical tokamaks and advanced divertors with potential for fusion pilot plant applications. The successful applicant will collaborate within the MAST-U scientific program and perform original research, primarily through study of how fueling affects edge pedestal characteristics and plasma performance. Research will include (1) proposing and executing experiments on the facility, taking advantage of available measurements of plasma temperature and density and emission from fueling neutral particles, (2) interpreting experimental data for an improved understanding of fueling sources and particle transport, using a combination of state-of-the-art analysis and modeling tools, and (3) investigating prospects for additional neutral diagnostics. Research findings are expected to be reported in scientific publications and conference presentations.
Required Qualifications
The candidate will need to have a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics or closely related science and engineering discipline before the start of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with magnetic fusion experiments, diagnostics, and/or modeling is highly desired. Must be able to communicate effectively and work in a dynamic and diverse team environment with W&M staff and students, and with collaborators from other universities and partner laboratories. The successful applicant will be preferably located at Culham, UK.
Conditions of Employment
This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.
Department 3KE710 Physics Dept
Location William & Mary
Job Open Date 08/29/2023
Review Begin Date 10/25/2023
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled No
Employment Category Faculty
Special Application Instructions
Applicants must apply online at https://jobs.wm.edu. Submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a statement of teaching interest and statement of research interests. A diversity statement is not required. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on their past experiences or future plans to foster an inclusive and welcoming climate for learners/scholars in Physics in any of the aforementioned required documents. You will be prompted to submit online the names and email addresses of three references who will be contacted by the system with instructions for how to submit a letter of reference.
For full consideration, submit application materials by the review begin date, October 25th ,2023.
Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed.
Information on the Department of Physics may be found at www.wm.edu/as/physics
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php

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