Associate Research Physicist- DIII-D Pedestal Transport at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey

Job Description:

Associate Research Physicist- DIII-D Pedestal Transport

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2024-19158
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research and Laboratory

Princeton University

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks to fill an Associate Research Physicist position based at DIII-D, in San Diego, CA. This position directly targets one of the largest gaps in predictive modeling for scenario development for fusion power plants (FPPs) and ITER - the interplay between edge neutral fueling and plasma transport that leads to the formation of the H-mode pedestal. The position will leverage state of the art diagnostics and simulation tools to improve understanding of particle, impurity, and thermal transport in the H-mode pedestal.

Several new neutral diagnostic systems have been installed on DIII-D by PPPL and other researchers with the intent of understanding the role that neutrals play in coupling the outer region of the confined plasma, the pedestal, to the scrape off layer and wall. Among these diagnostics is a new passive main ion charge exchange (pMICER) system that will provide measurements of the neutral velocity distribution function above the x-point and be used to study the role of neutrals in particle, energy, and momentum transport. The position will focus on using these new capabilities, notably the ability to diagnose higher energy neutrals generated near the x-point through charge exchange, to understand how the interplay between sources, transport, and profiles affect the resulting H-mode pedestal structure.

Within the scope of this assignment, experiments leveraging the new diagnostics will be performed to characterize particle and heat fluxes across the pedestal and their dependence on the plasma parameters and scenario (shape, density, torque). In order to better understand the processes that lead to the formation and sustainment of the H-mode pedestal, the experiments will be modeled with state of the art simulation codes, to assess the role of neoclassical and turbulent transport, finite orbit effects, coupling with scrape-off layer and divertor physics.

The candidate will join the PPPL team stationed at DIII-D, a dynamic group of scientists, engineers and technicians committed to advance fusion energy science with innovative research and technologies.

The role involves analysis of spectroscopic data, and interpretative analysis of particle and thermal transport based on data from the main ion charge exchange recombination spectroscopy diagnostic.

Time-dependent simulation codes such as TRANSP will form a central role in obtaining the relevant fluxes for comparison with collisional and turbulent transport modeling.

The candidate will propose, design and lead DIII-D experiments, leveraging new and existing diagnostic capabilities, in close collaboration with the high opacity and density operation thrust, pedestal and transport groups at DIII-D as well as physicists at PPPL and collaborating institutions.

The research will largely leverage recent major upgrades to the main ion charge exchange recombination spectroscopy system, including spectrally resolved passive Balmer-alpha and Lyman-alpha measurements for plasma fueling studies.

This set of main ion and neutral measurements will be used along with DIII-D pedestal diagnostics to improve a multichannel based understanding of particle and thermal transport in the H-mode pedestal.

In addition, the candidate will be responsible for some of the day-to-day operation, supervision and calibration of the main ion and impurity charge exchange systems.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Responsibilities

Core Duties

• Processing raw spectroscopic datasets to provide vetted measurements of plasma quantities, such as ion temperature, density as well as neutral density and ionization rates.
• Proposing experiments to test and/or validate physics models and participating in new experiments on DIII-D and internationally as needed.
• Modeling key datasets from recent DIII-D experiments, simulating and predicting novel plasma scenarios, using cutting-edge computing resources at PPPL and collaborating institutions.
• Neoclassical, extended neoclassical, turbulent transport, neutral and edge codes will be used as needed (i.e NEO, CGYRO, TGLF, XGC, DEGAS2, EIRENE, SOLPS-ITER, etc…).
• Systematic study of data sets and developing insights that can be tested experimentally.
• Operation and calibration of the DIII-D’s MICER system, including involvement with the CER group and, during experimental campaigns, serve as operator for the charge exchange diagnostic systems.
• Disseminating results in the form of talks, posters, and refereed journal articles.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Ph.D in plasma physics or related fields required.
• Experience in running gyrokinetic or fluid or neoclassical simulation codes.
• Experience developing, executing, and analyzing experiments.
• Familiarity with fusion plasma diagnostics and their interpretation.
• Experience with plasma spectroscopy and/or optical spectroscopy techniques.
• Most existing analysis routines are written in python and are integrated into the OMFIT modeling framework - experience with this programming language would be advantageous.
• Experience working with experimentalists in large research teams on fusion facilities is beneficial.
• Preference given to candidates with experience in plasma simulation with experimental application, particularly edge transport analysis codes.
• Experience with tokamak pedestal stability and/or transport is highly desired.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

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