Staff Research Scientist - Tokamak Experimental Science

Requisition # 2026-22012 • Date Posted: 3 months ago (7/8/2026 10:26 AM)

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Research Staff Scientist in assignment at the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. Joining a multidisciplinary team, the scientist will advance real-time plasma exhaust monitoring and control for fusion devices, developing feedback-control capabilities using physics-based and AI state estimation, implementing applications within the Plasma Control System (PCS), and integrating high-resolution diagnostics. The candidate will leverage novel real-time diagnostics and control tools to advance core-edge integrated scenarios in DIII-D, KSTAR, and other international devices. A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, PPPL tackles 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 sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. The position includes a 180‑day probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Join a dynamic team of scientists with diverse expertise working to advance real-time plasma exhaust monitoring, state estimation, and control for core-edge integration in fusion devices.
• Develop and deploy real-time feedback-control capabilities on DIII-D for plasma exhaust control, including divertor detachment and related edge-plasma applications.
• Utilize physics-based and AI-driven state estimation, diagnostic degradation/failure mitigation, and reduced-diagnostic approaches for control applications.
• Implement diagnostic and control applications within the Plasma Control System (PCS), integrate high-resolution real-time diagnostics and imaging data into the PCS, and extend the associated real-time computing infrastructure.
• Lead real-time diagnostic and control activities on the KSTAR tokamak and other magnetic fusion devices, including execution of experimental campaigns.
• Conduct research and disseminate results in the form of talks, posters, refereed journal articles, and eventual patents, particularly regarding real-time plasma exhaust diagnostics and control, plasma state estimation, and deployment of diagnostic and control applications for experimental fusion devices.
• Develop and/or implement high-temporal-resolution real-time plasma diagnostics, including real-time plasma imaging.
• Interface with PCS development groups at DIII-D and KSTAR for implementation of real-time computing systems and software relevant to the research.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience post‑PhD.
• Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and English communication skills.
• Experience with real-time diagnostic development, PCS application development