Researcher - Stellarator Systems Code Development

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a leading institution in the field of plasma physics and fusion energy research. We are committed to advancing clean and sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge research and development. As part of our strategic focus on fusion energy, we are seeking a dedicated and innovative early career postdoc researcher (0-3 years) to contribute to the development of a comprehensive systems code for scoping studies in the design of advanced stellarator-based pilot plants.

 

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!

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to join our team specializing in systems code development for stellarator fusion reactor design. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in creating, enhancing, and implementing modules within a modular, extensible framework to model and optimize various aspects of stellarator pilot plants. A key module the researcher will be responsible for is a reduced model for neutronics calculations incorporated to the larger systems code. This position will be remotely located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

 

Core Duties: 

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and enhance a modular framework for fusion pilot plant design, interfacing successive modules to generate new design points and enhance existing designs.
• Develop a module for capturing salient neutronics information needed for systems codes, creating a reduced model based on high-fidelity neutronics models.
• Contribute to the development of other modules within the framework, including plasma, divertors, magnets, and shielding.
• Collaborate with researchers and industry partners for code validation and verification, applying the developed code to real-world scenarios and fostering impactful collaborations.
• Maintain a high level of awareness regarding advancements in plasma physics, fusion technology, and related fields to continually improve the systems code.

Education and Experience: 

• Ph.D. (a postdoc with 0-3 years experience) in Engineering, Physics, Computational Sciences, or a related field with a strong background in plasma physics, fusion energy, or computational science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing, such as Python, C++, and/or Fortran.
• Software development skills including version control, continuous integration, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in numerical simulation, code development, and system modeling.
• Preferably experience with neutronics codes such as OpenMC.
• Familiarity with modular code architecture and extensible frameworks is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Effective communication skills to present research findings, collaborate with experts from diverse backgrounds, and engage with industry partners.

 

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.

40.00

No

Yes

180 days

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No

No

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Princeton University-Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) 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. EEO IS THE LAW
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PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by Princeton University. The 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.
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