Dr. Robert A. Ellis Fellowship
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Summary
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks doctoral thesis students who are enthusiastic, passionate and have a deep interest in pursuing a career in fields such as plasma physics, fusion science, computational science, chemical and material science, and related fields of engineering. This prestigious fellowship, which advances the values of scientific excellence and leadership, is generally a two-year funded term to conduct full-time doctoral research in residence at PPPL, with the potential for a third year to support degree completion. Continuation is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of funding and programmatic need.
Job description
Overview
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks doctoral thesis students who are enthusiastic, passionate and have a deep interest in pursuing a career in fields such as plasma physics, fusion science, computational science, chemical and material science, and related fields of engineering. This prestigious fellowship, which advances the values of scientific excellence and leadership, is generally a two-year funded term to conduct full-time doctoral research in residence at PPPL, with the potential for a third year to support degree completion. Continuation is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of funding and programmatic need.
Fellowship awards are subject to the availability of a project mentor; therefore, applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts on a thesis topic of mutual interest to the student’s home institution and PPPL for the purpose of collaboration. The fellow will have the opportunity to pursue collaborative research in a U.S. DOE National Laboratory and will receive mentorship, training, professional development and outreach opportunities, building a sense of community with PPPL and Princeton University colleagues in support of launching an impactful scientific career.
Responsibilities
- To advance doctoral thesis research on a collaborative project relevant to PPPL’s mission.
Qualifications
- Graduate students enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university in fields such as plasma physics, fusion science, computational science, chemical and material science, and related fields of engineering.
- Students are required to be in their third or fourth year, have achieved Ph.D. candidacy, and are in the independent research phase of their doctoral program.
- The student and primary adviser from the home institution are responsible for ensuring that the support required to maintain full-time graduate enrollment status during the award period (tuition, fees, etc.) is provided.
- The student must maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
- Open to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents that are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- To ensure consideration for the fellowship, applications should be submitted no later than January 31, 2027.
Requirements
- Graduate students enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university in fields such as plasma physics, fusion science, computational science, chemical and material science, and related fields of engineering.
- Students are required to be in their third or fourth year, have achieved Ph.D. candidacy, and are in the independent research phase of their doctoral program.
- The student and primary adviser from the home institution are responsible for ensuring that the support required to maintain full-time graduate enrollment status during the award period (tuition, fees, etc.) is provided.
- The student must maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship.
- Open to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents that are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
Benefits
- Health insurance
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.