High Temp Superconductor (HTS) Scientist

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With over 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in fusion energy research and is advancing related fields such as microelectronics, quantum sensors, and sustainability sciences.

About the role

PPPL seeks a High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) Research Scientist to lead the design, development, commissioning, and integration of a reel-to-reel coated conductor inspection system. This system will serve as a critical quality control tool to advance HTS technology for commercial fusion applications. The successful candidate will develop a novel, compact scanning system for low-temperature, in-field HTS critical current measurements using a high-resolution Hall sensor array in a liquid cryogen-free cooling system. The role involves analyzing measurement data to understand intrinsic defects, critical current dropouts, and other nonuniformities in commercial HTS tapes under fusion pilot plant-relevant conditions. This is a unique opportunity to build a first-of-a-kind HTS inspection capability and contribute directly to the U.S. National HTS tape inspection standard and fusion science and technology roadmap.

Responsibilities

• (30%) Low temperature HTS scanning system design, integration, and commissioning: Design, bench-test, and deploy the reel-to-reel (R2R) HTS scanning system, including advanced cooling for high-volume continuous tape scans without liquid helium, mechanical motion systems, high-field compact coils, vacuum-chamber interfaces, and data acquisition systems.
• (20%) R2R integration and calibration: Calibrate the HTS tape inspection system with commercial HTS tapes, integrate data acquisition with the national HTS critical current (Ic) database, and establish links between R2R defect maps of tape critical currents and high-current HTS cable/coil quench initiation mechanisms. Validate HTS cables using benchtop tests.
• (25%) Modular testbed for conduction-cooled superconducting magnet: Lead the procurement, system integration, and commissioning of a conduction-cooled modular testbed (PT425 cryocooler) for high-field testing of R&D coils fabricated in-house at PPPL. Establish operational procedures, integrate power supplies, current leads, thermal links, and cooling systems.
• (15%) Model validation and scientific output: Support the development of the U.S. HTS tape standard by providing Ic data validation using the new R2R scanning system. Develop HTS models and scaling parameters for performance predictions, deliver datasets to the modeling team, and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• (10%) Collaboration and project coordination: Coordinate with PPPL, U.S. conductor suppliers, and industrial partners/fusion startup collaborators. Mentor students and junior researchers, and contribute to project reporting and DOE data-management compliance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering physics, applied physics, applied superconductivity, or a closely related field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant postdoctoral or research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with REBCO coated conductor inspection diagnostics (e.g., low-temperature, in-field coated conductor scanning systems or comparable), including hands-on deployment of Hall sensor arrays as high-precision detectors on reel-to-reel HTS inspection systems.

Skills

• Expertise in fabrication of REBCO coated conductors and HTS conductor inspection system design and deployment.
• Background in coated conductor characterization, including real-time R2R HTS scanning system integration.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or IDL) and real-time data acquisition.
• Ability to design, align, and operate complex electromagnet-mechanical systems, integrate Hall sensor arrays with database systems, and work effectively within multi-institutional collaborations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in and around experimental magnet test facilities, including cryogenic system areas.
• Capable of performing measurement tasks and handling laboratory equipment.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety boots and eyewear.
• Awareness of fringe magnetic fields during in-field measurements; no pacemakers allowed.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in laboratory and experimental-hall environments at the PPPL magnet test facility (RF building, 3rd floor). The position involves R2R scanning system component installation, commissioning, and REBCO tape measurement campaigns.

Pay

Salary range: $111,400 to $178,000 per year.

Schedule

• Standard weekly hours: 40.00
• Eligible for overtime: No
• Probationary period: 180 days

Benefits

• Eligible for a comprehensive benefit program offered by Princeton University.