Postdoctoral Research Associate, MPEX Boundary and PMI Modeling

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

42d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Computational Physicist to carry out modeling of plasma transport and plasma-material interactions (PMI) in the Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX), a high-flux superconducting linear plasma facility nearing completion at ORNL. The candidate will utilize state-of-the-art 3D plasma boundary simulation tools as part of the MPEX Whole-Device Model, working closely with the experimental team to understand this device’s PMI physics and optimize performance of the device in its upcoming campaigns. The position resides in the Power Exhaust and Particle Control (PEPC) group of the Fusion Energy Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The PEPC group performs experimental and modeling work, focused on the boundary region of tokamaks, stellarators, and linear devices, for present-day and future fusion facilities worldwide.

Requirements

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years, or expect to complete a PhD by June 30th, 2027.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions.
• All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.
• This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with boundary and divertor plasma physics, and in the use of a code such as EMC3-EIRENE, SOLPS, UEDGE, SOLEDGE, or similar.
• Experience with plasma-material interactions, including models for sputtering, impurity transport, and sheath physics.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++ and other science relevant languages.
• Ability to work individually and/or as part of a team, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills supporting regular interactions with fellow research staff, peer reviewers, research sponsors, and to prepare reports, proposals, and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Perform interpretive three-dimensional boundary plasma simulations of MPEX, in order to inform and optimize radiofrequency (RF) power coupling, PMI target conditions, and overall device performance in preparation for early device operations.
• Integrate boundary plasma simulations with impurity transport models to assess the production and transport of in-vessel impurities in MPEX operating scenarios.
• Perform predictive modeling to inform the design of new MPEX target geometries, with a focus to improve access to divertor-relevant target exposure conditions.
• Validate simulation results against experimental data and constrain code inputs to reduce uncertainty in predictions for future experiments and guide improvements to the physics model.
• Work closely with teams of diagnosticians, theorists, applied mathematicians, and experimental plasma physicists.
• Create high impact research results to report in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Maintain commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of ORNL values and ethics.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree