Postdoctoral Scholar in Experimental Plasma Physics

The Fusion and
Plasma Dynamics Laboratory in the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering at KAIST invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar
position in experimental plasma physics.

Position Description

The selected candidate will join the fusion plasma
research group at KAIST under the supervision of Prof. Choongki Sung. The position is initially for two years. Renewal beyond the initial
appointment may be considered depending on funding availability and performance.

The successful candidate will play a leading role
in the development, commissioning, and operation of the KAIST Mirror (KAIMIR), a linear magnetic mirror device for fusion and plasma
physics research.

Depending on the candidate's background and interests, research activities may include:

• RF plasma
  source development and wave-plasma interactions
• Plasma instability studies and active instability control
• Fast-ion physics
  and energetic particle confinement
• Plasma diagnostics and instrumentation
• Plasma transport and mirror plasma
  physics
• Experimental data analysis and related modeling or simulation

Candidates with expertise in experimental plasma
physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants with backgrounds in computational plasma physics, plasma modeling, or simulation
are also welcome, especially those interested in close collaboration with experimental research programs.

Research Environment
and Opportunities

KAIMIR is a rapidly growing experimental platform for fusion-relevant plasma research. Current and planned
research activities include RF plasma production, plasma instability studies and control, neutral beam injection, fast-ion physics,
divertor-relevant plasma studies, and long-pulse mirror operation.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity
to:

• Play a leading role in the development of a growing experimental fusion device
• Design, develop, and
  commission advanced plasma diagnostics and experimental systems
• Develop RF plasma systems and investigate wave-plasma interactions
  and plasma instabilities
• Conduct research on magnetic confinement, energetic particles, and plasma transport
• Collaborate
  with major fusion research programs in Korea and internationally
• Develop independent research directions within a rapidly expanding
  research program

This position offers a high level of research independence and the opportunity to take ownership of key
research activities and experimental systems.

Salary

Competitive salary, approximately USD 35-65,000 per year,
depending on qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Ph. D. in plasma physics, fusion
  science, nuclear engineering, or a closely related field
• Research experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Experimental plasma physics
  • Plasma diagnostics and instrumentation
  • RF plasma sources, plasma heating, or wave-particle
    interactions
  • Magnetic confinement devices (mirror, tokamak, stellarator, or linear plasma devices)
  • Fast-ion or energetic
    particle physics
  • Plasma modeling and simulation

• A strong publication record
• The ability to work independently
  as well as collaboratively within a research team

The following qualifications are particularly desirable:

• Hands-on experience in developing or operating plasma experimental systems
• Experience with RF systems, high-power
  electronics, vacuum systems, or diagnostic instrumentation
• Experience in experimental hardware development and troubleshooting

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae (including
  education, employment history, and research experience)
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) describing research experience, technical
  expertise, and motivation for joining the KAIMIR project
• Copies of three representative publications
• Contact information for
  at least three referees, including the applicant's current or most recent supervisor

Applications should be sent to:

Prof. Choongki Sung Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering KAIST, Daejeon, South Korea
Email: choongkisung@kaist.ac.kr

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed
on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.