Associate Research Physicist - Strategic Science Initiative (SSI)
About The Position
The successful candidate will play a leading role in the development and maintenance of a core X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) on the JT-60SA tokamak, including its calibration, operation, tomographic integration, and data analysis. This advanced diagnostic capability will be applied to study particle, thermal, and momentum transport across Ohmic, NBI, and RF-heated plasma scenarios. The proposed work also aims to exploit new real-time diagnostic data capabilities in combination with theory, state-of-the-art computational modeling, and a rigorous verification and validation (V&V) framework developed by PPPL in collaboration with national and international partners. JT-60SA, located in Naka, Japan, is the largest and most powerful tokamak currently in operation worldwide. As a superconducting device capable of long-pulse operation with advanced plasma shaping and control, it provides a unique platform for developing the physics and technologies essential for future fusion reactors. JT-60SA is a major international collaboration between Japan and Europe under the Broader Approach framework, supporting and complementing ITER by exploring high-performance, steady-state plasma scenarios. Experience has shown that applying deep diagnostic and operational expertise provides strong synergistic benefits and accelerates scientific progress. Consequently, direct, in-person involvement of researchers is essential for successful diagnostic and hardware implementation. The successful candidate will collaborate at PPPL in Princeton, New Jersey and with the JT-60SA facility/QST Laboratory teams.
Requirements
- Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, atomic physics or a closely related field.
- Preference will be given to candidates with experimental experience on fusion devices and demonstrated expertise in tokamak diagnostics, x-ray measurements and plasma and core fusion physics.
- Experience in data analysis and proficiency in modern x-ray tomographic programming techniques are highly desirable.
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in Japanese is desirable and may facilitate day-to-day interactions on site.
Responsibilities
- Leading the implementation of the XICS on JT-60SA
- Day-to-day calibration, operation, and data analysis using core Dopler "3D" x-ray tomography
- Actively participate in the JT-60SA research program, including proposing, executing, and contributing to experiments led by European and Japanese team members
- Primary responsibility for the development of the data analysis codes required to interpret diagnostic results
- Collaborate with Ph.D. students or other postdoctoral researchers to achieve these goals
- Publish the results of their work in refereed journals and present them at major international conferences
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Industry
Educational Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
