Magnetic Fusion Energy - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team performing boundary plasma physics research in the exciting field of the Magnetic Fusion Energy Science. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will develop novel numerical tools for magnetically confined fusion devices (e.g., mirror, tokamak and stellarator), and apply these tools to facilitate reactor design and optimization as well as fusion plasma exhaust study. This position is in the Fusion Energy Sciences Program, situated within the Physics Division.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

You will

• Develop a numerical framework and build boundary models for several magnetic configurations spanning from the core region to the first-wall.
• Verify and validate developed models with other codes and experiments.
• Perform sensitivity analysis studies exploring divertor/first-wall optimization as well as local/global boundary plasma performance optimization.
• Integrate validated boundary models into whole-device/whole-facility modeling (WDM/WFM) frameworks.
• Study boundary plasma exhaust in both external and turbulence-induced stochastic fields with the goal to understand the impact of stochastic fields.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Pursue independent research aligned with the group’s interests and interact with exceptional scientists both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Physics or a closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of high-temperature plasma physics and magnetically confined fusion devices such as magnetic mirror, tokamak and stellarator.
• Knowledge on boundary plasma and sheath physics, turbulence and transport theory, as well as neutral and impurity models.
• Experience in developing and/or performing numerical simulations of magnetized plasma systems to answer research questions.
• Experience in writing software for data analysis in a commonly used scientific programming language such as Python, Julia, IDL, or MATLAB.
• Ability to perform independent research projects with results disseminated in scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to present and articulate technical information clearly.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in theoretical, computational, and/or experimental fusion plasma physics research.
• Deep knowledge of fluid, gyro-Landau fluid, gyro-kinetic and/or kinetic descriptions/models of magnetized plasmas.
• Experience in the development of high-performance simulation codes in C++ or Fortran.
• Knowledge of modern scientific computing, including but not limited to spatial and temporal discretization, explicit and implicit schemes, preconditioning, multi-grid methods, distributed computing, GPU acceleration, etc.

#LI-Hybrid

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)
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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.) 

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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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