Senior Research Scientist

About the role

Zap Energy aims to provide safe, reliable, zero-carbon energy through nuclear fusion. Our approach uses sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch, offering a promising path to commercially viable fusion energy.

Responsibilities

• Define scientific strategy and development plans, advancing Zap’s fusion concept through experimental and modeling workflows
• Progress from concept to design and lead experimental campaigns on advanced fusion devices
• Leverage insight from theory and modeling to manage or lead the design, fielding, and operations of multiple plasma diagnostic systems
• Collaborate cross-functionally across the R&D organization and other technical and non-technical teams
• Work closely with research engineers and diagnosticians to integrate systems and optimize experimental setups
• Manage and/or perform data analysis, reduction, error propagation, publication, and presentation of experimental results, including computational results

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in plasma physics or closely related field and 7-10+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to plan and lead complex, cross-functional projects
• Experience correlating scientific experimental results with theoretical simulations and models
• Familiarity with plasma theory and computational models either as user or as collaborator
• Strong foundation in plasma physics and fusion science
• Hands-on experience with experimental design and data analysis
• Creative problem solving and proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Clear communicator who enjoys turning complex ideas into actionable insights

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Z-Pinch fusion research, analysis, experimentation, and modeling

Bonus Points

• Expertise in Fusion plasma diagnostics
• Experience with Pulsed power systems
• Experience with High-voltage instrumentation
• Expertise in Computational plasma modeling

Pay

Estimated salary range: $140,000-200,000 annually

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

N/A

Skills

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Benefits

N/A

Employment Conditions

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.