Staff Research Scientist - Real-time Control Systems

Overview

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has an open position for a research staff scientist onsite at PPPL. The candidate will join a dynamic team of scientists with diverse expertise working to advance the application of real-time control systems to experimental fusion systems, including tokamaks and stellarators. The ability to employ AI-enabled solutions and AI-based state estimations, using available diagnostics, will be important elements of this research. The production of high fidelity equilibrium reconstructions for NSTX-U operation, as well as fusion experiments worldwide with which PPPL collaborates, will be an important component of the successful applicant's duties.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research and disseminating results in the form of talks, posters, and refereed journal articles, principally related to the development and implementation of control systems.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Applicant should have a Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field, and a minimum of two years’ experience after Ph.D. Strong analytical and English communication skills are required. Experience with software packages such as the Position Control System (PCS) which will be employed for real-time plasma control in NSTX-U, and equilibrium reconstruction packages such as EFIT and TokaMaker is desired. Experience with AI-enabled control of systems is also desired.

Additional Details

• Requisition #: 2026-21748
• Date Posted: 1 week ago (4/21/2026 8:43 AM)
• Department: PPPL Tokamak Expermntl Science
• Category: Research and Laboratory
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
• Eligible for Overtime: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Probationary Period: 180 days
• Salary Range: $111,400 to $178,000