Boundary Plasma Research Scientist, Power Exhaust and Particle Control Group

Requisition Id 14281 

Overview:

We are seeking a Plasma Physicist who will help find solutions for the extreme power exhaust and particle control challenges that must be addressed to make magnetic confinement fusion energy production possible. 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 and stellarators, for present-day and future fusion reactor facilities worldwide.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform boundary plasma simulations using codes such as SOLPS-ITER and EMC3-EIRENE.
• 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.
• Propose and lead experiments on experimental facilities.
• Perform interpretive and predictive modeling to couple boundary solutions to pedestal/core and plasma-material interaction codes.
• Create high impact research results to report in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Work closely with teams of diagnosticians, theorists, applied mathematicians, and experimental plasma physicists.
• 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Math, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field with two years of related experience.
• A demonstrated ability to solve technical problems for research and development projects, and in developing a research plan.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a boundary and divertor plasma physics, and in the use of a code such as SOLPS, EMC3-EIRENE, UEDGE, SOLEDGE, or similar.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, Fortran, C++ and other science relevant languages.
• Demonstrated ability to work individually and/or as part of a team, including participation at remote facilities, and contribute based on knowledge and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills supporting regular interactions with fellow research staff, peer reviewers, research sponsors, and preparing reports and proposals.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family.

Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov 

#LI-BR1

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.