Job Information
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Staff Research Scientist in Princeton, New Jersey
Overview
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has an open position for a research staff scientist onsite at PPPL. The candidate will join a dynamic team of scientists with diverse expertise working to advance understanding and develop new approaches for the problem of wall conditioning in tokamak reactors. The successful candidate will conduct research in plasma boundary physics with emphasis on real-time wall conditioning, impurity injection experiments, and integration of impurity powder dropper and granule injector systems into scenario development and support development of feedback control workflows. The successful candidate will support the development and analysis of diagnostic-driven impurity injection experiments, including long-pulse wall conditioning studies on the KSTAR facility in S. Korea, integration with plasma control systems, and coordinated experiments on other devices, e.g., DIII-D, NSTX-U, and WEST.
A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!
Responsibilities
Core Duties:
The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting research and disseminating results in the form of talks, posters, and refereed journal articles, principally related to boundary physics with a focus on the effects of impurity injection. Periodic travel to domestic and international facilities will be required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Minimum 2-3 years’ experience post PhD.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Applicant should have a Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field. Strong analytical and English communication skills are required. Experience with experimental fusion boundary physics is required. Expertise in impurity injection techniques, real-time plasma diagnostics, actuator integration, and interpretation of surface science diagnostics is strongly preferred.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer (https://rrr.princeton.edu/eop) 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.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link (https://hr.princeton.edu/benefits-overview-prospective-candidates) for more information.
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.
Standard Weekly Hours
40.00
Eligible for Overtime
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Probationary Period
180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver's License Required
No
#LI-BH1
Salary Range
$111,400 to $178,000
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Princeton University is anEqual Opportunity Employer (https://rrr.princeton.edu/eop) 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.
Princeton University-PPPL job offers are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, reference checks, and pre-employment screening, as applicable.
PPPL is aU.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory (https://www.energy.gov/national-laboratories) managed by Princeton University. The 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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Requisition #2026-21742
Date Posted12 hours ago(4/20/2026 9:26 AM)
Department PPPL Tokamak Expermntl Science
Category Research and Laboratory
Job Type Full-Time