Princeton University
Strategic Science Initiative Fellowship (SSI)
Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, us, 08543
Overview
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral researchers with demonstrated leadership potential to play a major role in opening new research directions at our national laboratory. Selected fellows will serve as associate research scientists and will have the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world‑leading research institution.
Prioritized research areas include:
Fusion Science and Technology
Developing spin‑polarized fuels and next‑generation ion beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance.
Engineering radiation‑hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.
Artificial Intelligence
Developing advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) solutions for fusion science and operations.
Building and applying foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance.
Designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability and reduce operational costs.
Discovery Plasma Science
Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence and dynamos.
Increasing understanding of high‑energy‑density (HED) plasma processes, including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy.
Advancing the science and technology of low‑temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion.
Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology.
Using high performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations.
Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating and plasma‑assisted catalysis and chemical synthesis.
Successful candidates will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the range of scientific collaborations in which PPPL scientists participate. Fellows will lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL. Fellowship awards are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts.
To ensure consideration for the fellowship, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2026.
Fellowship awardees must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2026.
Responsibilities Core Duties:
Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL's mission.
Qualifications Education and Experience:
Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering (e.g., nuclear, mechanical, electrical, materials, chemical, systems), computer science (e.g., advanced computing and AI for Science), physical chemistry, applied mathematics, or a related field.
Experience in topical area(s) aligned with PPPL's mission.
Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, high quality publication record, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance an engaged workforce, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
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Prioritized research areas include:
Fusion Science and Technology
Developing spin‑polarized fuels and next‑generation ion beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance.
Engineering radiation‑hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.
Artificial Intelligence
Developing advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) solutions for fusion science and operations.
Building and applying foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance.
Designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability and reduce operational costs.
Discovery Plasma Science
Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence and dynamos.
Increasing understanding of high‑energy‑density (HED) plasma processes, including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy.
Advancing the science and technology of low‑temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion.
Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology.
Using high performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations.
Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating and plasma‑assisted catalysis and chemical synthesis.
Successful candidates will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the range of scientific collaborations in which PPPL scientists participate. Fellows will lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL. Fellowship awards are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts.
To ensure consideration for the fellowship, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2026.
Fellowship awardees must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2026.
Responsibilities Core Duties:
Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL's mission.
Qualifications Education and Experience:
Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering (e.g., nuclear, mechanical, electrical, materials, chemical, systems), computer science (e.g., advanced computing and AI for Science), physical chemistry, applied mathematics, or a related field.
Experience in topical area(s) aligned with PPPL's mission.
Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, high quality publication record, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance an engaged workforce, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
#J-18808-Ljbffr