Research Associate, Plasma Fueling and Particle Control Physics

Requisition Id 15636 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Research Associate (RP02) who will support the Plasma Exhaust and Particle Control (PEPC) Group in the Fusion Energy Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate.

The staff member will be responsible for conducting experimental studies on fueling and particle control in toroidal confinement devices, with the goal of 1) characterizing pellet fueling dynamics using multiple observables, 2) measuring and predicting the dynamic and cumulative impact on long-pulse particle balance and plasma performance, and 3) developing real-time control methods to optimize pellet-fueled plasma scenarios. These studies will primarily be conducted on the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator located in Greifswald, Germany.

This position is located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN, USA. Travel to domestic and international facilities to conduct experiments and coordinate analysis is expected to occupy up to 30-50% of staff time, depending on facility operations schedules.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Development, execution, and analysis of experimental studies with emphasis on advancing pellet fueling physics through a combination of exploiting multiple diagnostics, data-driven/ML/AI analysis techniques, and pellet fueling modeling validation.
• Support and upgrade ORNL diagnostic and pellet injector hardware located at W7-X such as Filterscope diagnostics, the Exhaust Gas Analysis System and the Continuous Pellet Fueling System (CPFS).
• Collaboration with a broad and diverse ORNL and multi-institutional team, including experimental and computational colleagues.
• Timely dissemination of research results through publications and presentations at scientific conferences and workshops.
• Maintain a strong 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience in experimental plasma research, plasma diagnostics, or both.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other relevant scientific programming languages.
• Scientific research ability demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations at technical conferences.
• Strong interest in contributing to the pursuit of fusion energy to enable a sustainable future.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced multi-institutional research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Existing experience in fueling and particle control experimental physics in magnetic confinement fusion devices.
• Experience with integrated data analysis combining core, edge and divertor plasma transport physics.
• Experience in the development, implementation, and interpretation of optical plasma diagnostics and integration of real-time data acquisition systems.
• Experience with machine learning and data-driven approaches to diagnostic signal processing and real-time control.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• 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.

For foreign national candidates:

• 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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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-DC1

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.