Modeling Physicist

About the role

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) advances science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability across four critical national security areas: nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense.

This position is for a Modeling Physicist in the field of edge plasma physics for magnetic fusion energy devices, within the Spherical Tokamaks Group, Fusion Energy Sciences Program of the Extreme Light, Matter and Fusion Directorate. The primary work location will be at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey. The role involves applying expertise in numerical simulation to understand problems in edge fusion plasmas and plasma-surface interactions, developing new edge transport and plasma-surface interaction models and simulations in support of experiments at the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (PPPL), Mega-Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, UK), the SPARC tokamak (Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Devens, MA), and future lithium divertor concepts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in edge plasma simulations, analyze simulation results, and provide physics understanding of results.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis and compare simulation results across two-dimensional, multi-fluid edge plasma codes to evaluate model behavior, consistency, and physical accuracy.
• Work as a team member to guide and compare simulation and existing experimental data.
• Collaborate in the development of new edge plasma physics and plasma-surface interaction models.
• 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 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, related technical discipline or the equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in magnetic confinement fusion edge plasma physics and plasma-surface interaction physics.
• Advanced experience and knowledge in numerical simulations and modeling methods.
• Advanced experience and knowledge of magnetic confinement fusion plasma codes.
• Advanced 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 with minimal direction and effective interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate and work in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with developing and implementing edge plasma physics models.
• Experience with 2D edge plasma codes, e.g., UEDGE, SOLPS, EDGE2D, EMC, EIRENE, ERO.
• Experience with data analysis tools and algorithms in Python, Matlab, or similar language.
• Knowledge of tokamak operation and interpretation of experimental data.
• Knowledge of edge plasma diagnostic techniques and atomic physics.

Pay

$175,530 – $222,564 annually. This is the lowest to highest salary for this role at the time of posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

Additional Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

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, including completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): The 2025 NDAA, Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea without dual U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicants selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana, as Federal Law applies to LLNL as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices: Per DOE, LLNL must meet restrictions on use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices) are not permitted. Medical devices that pair with a mobile device must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or with wireless disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space, and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.