"Modeling Plasma Material Interactions in Fusion Reactors - Research Assistant/Associate/Full Professor"

The University of Tennessee has an opening for a Research Assistant/Associate Professor in the area of integrated plasma – material interaction modeling for fusion reactors. The successful candidate will be working with a new University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UTORII) project to develop integrated models predicting fusion plasma facing armor component performance and using this insight in developing materials for extreme applications with a focus on fusion environments.

This work will be focused on utilizing a suite of computational boundary plasma physics and multiscale materials modeling techniques ranging from the SOL-PS and GITR codes for boundary plasma and impurity modeling, in addition to first principles- based electronic structure models to molecular dynamics and mesoscale models such as kinetic Monte Carlo or spatially-dependent reaction-diffusion-advection cluster dynamics. The integrated modeling of plasma material interactions also requires experience with code coupling frameworks such the integrated plasma simulator (IPS) framework to manage complex workflows associated with coupling plasma and material modeling codes.

The research faculty will work collaboratively with a team of faculty, postdoctoral associates, and students in Nuclear Engineering (NE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), and Physics, as well as scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Demonstrated Research Skills

• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment spanning experiments and modeling.
• A clear path to independence as a researcher is desired, although collaboration with more senior investigators will be expected.
• Since the investigator may participate in providing some level of instruction in accord with the UT-ORII mission, some formal teaching experience is desirable.
• A commitment to mentoring junior investigators who will work with the Research Faculty is important and, if available, demonstrated experience is a plus.

Required:

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or other discipline related to development of Materials for Extremes.
• Significant research experience following the doctoral degree is desired, with a documented publication record.
• Demonstrated experience with integrated plasma - materials interaction modeling within a code coupling paradigm.
• Experience with obtaining funding and student mentoring is beneficial.
• Candidates with experience in more than one discipline, or interest in collaboration across these disciplines, are preferred. However, candidates who can define a unique area are also encouraged.
• This position require the ability to be granted a site-access badge for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Additional Information About Position

• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position.
• The appointment will be with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
• The position will be implemented as an initial three-year contract with full salary support for the first year, followed by a gradual decrease in salary coverage such that the successful applicant will receive 50% salary support in year 5 (if renewed after the third year) and is expected to receive extramural funding by year 3 or earlier.
• The applicant will be expected to recruit multiple graduate students by year three.
• Continuation of the position will depend on the success of the hire and the team in attracting multi-year funding.
• A competitive startup package including support for PhD students and budget for equipment will be offered.
• Salary and title/rank will be determined commensurate with experience.
• Benefits will be typical of exempt employees at the University of Tennessee.

Interested applicants should send inquiries to Prof. Brian Wirth (Governor’s Chair Professor in Computational Nuclear Engineering) at bdwirth@utk.edu.

The review of applications will begin on October 29 and continue until the position is filled. All application materials must be submitted to Interfolio at

Applications must include:

• Letter of interest
• Comprehensive curriculum vitae
• Research statement outlining previous and future directions
• Mentoring statement
• Three professional references including names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

More About UT-ORII

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and increasingly life science talent.

UT-ORII is leveraging UT and ORNL’s best capabilities and resources to accelerate collaborative discovery, innovation and interdisciplinary graduate education; and to prepare the next generation of talent in areas of critical importance to the nation and the State of Tennessee. The institute’s current research areas include Clean Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Energy Storage and Transportation, Radiopharmaceutical Therapies, and Circular Bioeconomy Systems. To learn more about UT-ORII visit utorii.com.

More About ORNL

Leveraging the talents of its world-class researchers and exceptional support staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping solve critical scientific and technical challenges and, in so doing, creating economic opportunity for the nation. ORNL provides access to unique facilities, laboratories, and equipment, drawing thousands of visiting researchers each year.