Computational Associate Research Scientist in the Area of Low-Temperature Low-Pressure Processing Plasma
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Summary
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking to appoint a Associate Computational Scientist to contribute to the advancement of modeling capabilities and physics research pertaining to low-temperature plasmas and associated technologies. The primary responsibility of this position involves conducting and facilitating computational modeling of authentic low-temperature plasma devices, particularly those operating at low pressure, for the purposes of scientific discovery and engineering design. The successful candidate will achieve this objective through the application of high-performance computing (HPC) best practices, advanced mathematical research into novel algorithms, and the utilization of machine learning techniques for code acceleration and the development of reduced-order "surrogate" models.
Job description
This will require working with and maintaining the LTP-PIC software, a particle-in-cell (PIC) software package developed at PPPL for these purposes. The candidate should have strong familiarity with compiler level languages, accelerated computing (preferably with OpenMP or OpenACC) and distributed computing (MPI). A thorough understanding of the particle-in-cell algorithm, its inherent limitations, and potential avenues for performance enhancement is also required. Furthermore, the candidate should demonstrate substantial practical knowledge of low-pressure magnetron, capacitively and inductively coupled discharges employed in plasma processing, coupled with a proven track record of kinetic modeling of such discharges.
The candidate should be familiar with machine-learning principles for science, including generative A.I. and surrogate models, especially of convolutional and recurrent neural networks. Familiarity with Python, NumPy and PyTorch will be essential for this position.
The computational tools developed will be instrumental in studies of magnetron, capacitively-coupled plasmas and partially magnetized plasma sources, as well as the fundamental understanding of anomalous transport and plasma turbulence within these devices. The software will also be disseminated to the broader academic and industrial communities, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate these relationships.
This position is part of PPPL’s prestigious Strategic Science Initiative (SSI) Fellowship Program, which provides exceptional early-career researchers with the opportunity to lead innovative research and help advance new scientific directions at the Laboratory. As an SSI Fellow, the successful candidate will serve as an Associate Research Scientist and contribute to PPPL’s research in applied materials and electromanufacturing, with a focus on advancing computational modeling, high-performance computing, and machine learning for low-temperature plasma science and technology.
Responsibilities
- The candidate will be responsible for ongoing development and maintenance of the LTP-PIC software, as well as assisting users from academia and industry (50%).
- Defining and delivering on A.I. projects for low-temperature plasmas (20%).
- Modeling low-pressure discharges for industry partners (20%).
- Publishing scientific results and dissemination at major international conferences (10%).
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering or a related field with core training in low-temperature plasma physics and high-performance computing.
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment is preferred.
- A proven track record of publishing original results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- A proven track record of developing high-performance codes.
- Demonstrated collaborative experience within academia and with industry.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering or a related field with core training in low-temperature plasma physics and high-performance computing.
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment is preferred.
- A proven track record of publishing original results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- A proven track record of developing high-performance codes.
- Demonstrated collaborative experience within academia and with industry.
- Strong familiarity with compiler level languages, accelerated computing (preferably with OpenMP or OpenACC) and distributed computing (MPI).
- Thorough understanding of the particle-in-cell algorithm, its inherent limitations, and potential avenues for performance enhancement.
- Substantial practical knowledge of low-pressure magnetron, capacitively and inductively coupled discharges employed in plasma processing.
- Proven track record of kinetic modeling of such discharges.
- Familiarity with machine-learning principles for science, including generative A.I. and surrogate models, especially of convolutional and recurrent neural networks.
- Familiarity with Python, NumPy and PyTorch.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit program
Company overview
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by Princeton University, specializing in plasma physics and fusion energy research. Founded in 1951, PPPL has over 70 years of history as a world leader in developing fusion as a sustainable and potentially limitless energy source. The laboratory employs approximately 600-800 scientists, engineers, and operations staff who conduct essential research across a full range of plasma applications. PPPL's primary focus includes advancing spherical tokamak technology through its flagship experiment, the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), which is the largest spherical tokamak in the United States. Beyond fusion energy, the laboratory has diversified its research portfolio to include microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. PPPL maintains extensive partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and international research organizations, including key involvement in the ITER international fusion experiment in France. With an annual budget of approximately $177 million, the laboratory serves as both a premier research institution and an educational hub, offering the nation's first registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering.