Experimental Plasma Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.
We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range
$113,760 Annually
Job Description
We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member in the field of edge Plasma Physics for magnetic fusion devices. You will apply expertise in Experimental Plasma Physics in collaboration with experimental teams to understand problems in edge plasmas of spherical tokamaks. The research aims to advance edge plasma transport and plasma-surface interaction physics in the Mega-Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade in Culham Centre for Fusion Energy in Culham, the UK, through a combination of new experiments, analysis of diagnostic measurements, developing new diagnostics and comparisons with numerical simulations. Your specific responsibilities will include development, operation and maintenance of edge diagnostics as well as physics data analysis. Occasional travel to Culham, the UK will be required. This position is in the Spherical Tokamak Boundary Physics group, Fusion Energy Sciences Program of the Physics Division. The primary work location will be at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey.
You will

• Conduct research in the area of edge plasma and plasma-surface interaction physics.
• Develop, operate, maintain edge plasma diagnostics.
• Interpret measurements using numerical analysis tools
• Work as a team member to compare experimental data and simulation results, provide validated physics understanding.
• Document and publish research results in peer reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in Plasma Physics or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic Plasma Physics.
• Experience in experimental measurements in plasma devices.
• Documented publication record in peer reviewed literature and experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Experience carrying out independent research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Experience working independently and in a team environment to achieve program goals in a timely fashion.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of edge plasmas in fusion devices.
• Knowledge of tokamak operation and interpretation of experimental data; experience with data analysis programming languages, such as Python and IDL.
• Familiarity with edge plasma diagnostic techniques and atomic physics.
• Experience with scientific cameras and spectrometers.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance
None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
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