Physics World
Strategic Science Initiative Fellowship (SSI)
Apply for this postdoctoral fellowship at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University. Fellows will serve as associate research scientists and lead, publish, present, and disseminate innovative research in directions that advance PPPL’s mission and scientific diversification goals.
Research Areas
Fusion Science and Technology
– Developing spin‑polarized fuels, next‑generation ion beam technologies, and radiation‑hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.
Artificial Intelligence
– Developing AI/ML solutions for fusion science and operations; building foundation and surrogate models to accelerate analysis; designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems.
Discovery Plasma Science
– Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities, turbulence, dynamos; studying high‑energy‑density plasma processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy; advancing low‑temperature plasma science and diagnostics for propulsion applications.
Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
– Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology; utilizing high‑performance computing, machine learning, and advanced numerical schemes for low‑temperature plasma simulations; exploring electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating, plasma‑assisted catalysis, and chemical synthesis.
Responsibilities
Lead, publish, present, and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to PPPL’s mission.
Collaborate with researchers at PPPL and within scientific collaborations across the laboratory.
Propose and develop project ideas early with PPPL research experts, as fellowship awards are contingent on mentor availability.
Qualifications
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.
Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence with a high‑quality publication record.
Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to articulate research to diverse audiences.
Team‑working capability, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Ability to contribute to an engaged workforce and advance workplace diversity and inclusion.
EEO Statement Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.
Dates & Availability Applications accepted until
Jan. 31, 2026 . Fellows must be able to start no later than
September 2026 .
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $91,500 – $146,100 per year.
Benefits Eligible: Yes.
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00.
Probationary Period: 180 days.
Additional Information Fellowship awardees will work at PPPL located in Princeton, NJ. The laboratory also collaborates on the CMS experiment at Rutgers University and other national projects. For accommodations, contact PPPL’s Office of Human Resources.
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Research Areas
Fusion Science and Technology
– Developing spin‑polarized fuels, next‑generation ion beam technologies, and radiation‑hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.
Artificial Intelligence
– Developing AI/ML solutions for fusion science and operations; building foundation and surrogate models to accelerate analysis; designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems.
Discovery Plasma Science
– Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities, turbulence, dynamos; studying high‑energy‑density plasma processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy; advancing low‑temperature plasma science and diagnostics for propulsion applications.
Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
– Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology; utilizing high‑performance computing, machine learning, and advanced numerical schemes for low‑temperature plasma simulations; exploring electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating, plasma‑assisted catalysis, and chemical synthesis.
Responsibilities
Lead, publish, present, and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to PPPL’s mission.
Collaborate with researchers at PPPL and within scientific collaborations across the laboratory.
Propose and develop project ideas early with PPPL research experts, as fellowship awards are contingent on mentor availability.
Qualifications
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.
Skills & Abilities
Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence with a high‑quality publication record.
Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to articulate research to diverse audiences.
Team‑working capability, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Ability to contribute to an engaged workforce and advance workplace diversity and inclusion.
EEO Statement Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.
Dates & Availability Applications accepted until
Jan. 31, 2026 . Fellows must be able to start no later than
September 2026 .
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range: $91,500 – $146,100 per year.
Benefits Eligible: Yes.
Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00.
Probationary Period: 180 days.
Additional Information Fellowship awardees will work at PPPL located in Princeton, NJ. The laboratory also collaborates on the CMS experiment at Rutgers University and other national projects. For accommodations, contact PPPL’s Office of Human Resources.
#J-18808-Ljbffr