Overview
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral researchers with demonstrated leadership potential to play a major role in contributing to PPPL strategic priorities and opening new research directions at our national laboratory. Selected fellows will serve as Associate Research Scientists and will have the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world-leading research institution.
Prioritized research areas include:
Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
- Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology
- Using high performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations
- Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating and plasma-assisted catalysis and chemical synthesis
Fusion Science and Technology
- Developing gyrotron and next-generation beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance
- Engineering radiation-hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations
- Advancing the technical readiness of liquid metals for plasma-facing components and developing state-of-the-art models and theory for edge plasmas
- Contributing to the vibrant scientific research programs on domestic and international tokamak collaborations, with near-term focus on WEST and JT-60SA
- Understanding and predicting confinement in high beta plasmas typical of spherical tokamaks, including boundary physics and integrated control scenarios for NSTX-U
- Contributing to the optimization of tokamak and stellarator design
Super Intelligence
- Developing advanced super intelligence / machine learning (SI/ML) solutions for fusion science and operations
- Building and applying foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance
- Designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability and reduce operational costs
Discovery Plasma Science
- Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence and dynamos
- Increasing understanding of high-energy-density (HED) plasma processes including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy
- Advancing the science and technology of low-temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion
Successful candidates will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the range of scientific collaborations in which PPPL scientists participate. Fellows will lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL. Fellowship recipients are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts.
To ensure consideration for the fellowship, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2027.
Fellowship recipients must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2027.
This position is a 3 year term assignment, renewable each year. PPPL strives to identify funding for a minimum of a 2 year term commitment.
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 electromanufacturing. 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:
- Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL’s mission.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
- Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering (e.g., nuclear, mechanical, electrical, materials, chemical, systems), computer science (e.g., advanced computing and AI for Science), physical chemistry, applied mathematics, or a related field.
- Experience in topical area(s) aligned with PPPL’s mission.
- Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (including unique software/hardware requirements):
- Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, high quality publication record, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance an engaged workforce, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Working Conditions:
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
Application Process:
- To ensure consideration for the fellowship, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2027.
- Fellowship recipients must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2027.
- This position is a 3 year term assignment, renewable each year. PPPL strives to identify funding for a minimum of a 2 year term commitment.
Position Details
- Requisition: 2026-22459
- Date Posted: 2026-10-28
- Department: PPPL Office of the Director
- Category: Research and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00
- Eligible for Overtime: No
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- Probationary Period: 180 days
- Essential Services Personnel: No
- Estimated Appointment End Date: 4/12/2030
- Comments Related to End Date: These dates are subject to change depending on when candidate starts so timelines can shift.
- Physical Capacity Exam Required: No
- Valid Driver's License Required: No
- Salary Range: $95,800 to $153,000
