Job Description

Research Associate

The Department of Physics plays a pivotal role in the advancing of knowledge, nurturing the next generation of physicists and making a lasting impact on the world of physics.

The College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin, strives to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit.

The university offers an impressive benefits package including:

• Employer paid health insurance (employee premiums covered at 100%; spouse and family premiums at 50%)
• Dental, vision, life and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan

For more details, please see: Prospective Employee Benefits and My Total Rewards.

Job Description Summary

The Institute for Fusion Studies (IFS) in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a researcher to conduct theoretical and computational research in fusion plasma physics. The successful candidate will contribute to key research areas within IFS, with a particular focus on gyrokinetic modeling of edge plasmas. This includes both delta-f gyrokinetic simulations and full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic modeling of the plasma edge, scrape-off layer, and associated transport processes.

The researcher will use theory, numerical simulation, and comparison with experimental measurements to improve understanding of plasma turbulence, transport, and confinement in U.S. and international magnetic-confinement fusion experiments. The position also provides opportunities to establish new research directions within IFS and to build collaborations across the broader fusion research community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct original theoretical and computational research in fusion plasma physics, with particular emphasis on gyrokinetic simulations of edge plasmas.
• Apply both delta-f and full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic models to study turbulence, transport, transport barriers, and scrape-off-layer physics.
• Use theory and simulation to interpret and understand experimental observations from U.S. and international magnetic-confinement fusion experiments.
• Develop new research topics and capabilities that complement and expand existing research programs within IFS.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present findings at scientific conferences and workshops.
• Mentor and collaborate with graduate students and other junior researchers.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and grant applications as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or key personnel.
• Develop productive collaborations with other IFS researchers, faculty, and external collaborators at universities, national laboratories, and international research institutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, or a closely related field.
• Several years of post-Ph.D. research experience in plasma physics or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out innovative research in fusion plasma physics.
• Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Experience with theoretical and/or computational approaches to magnetic-confinement fusion research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing gyrokinetic simulations of magnetically confined plasmas.
• Experience applying gyrokinetic models to plasma turbulence, transport barriers, pedestal physics, and/or scrape-off-layer turbulence.
• Experience with both conventional core or delta-f gyrokinetic modeling and edge-oriented full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic simulations.
• Experience connecting gyrokinetic simulations with experimental observations from tokamak or stellarator experiments.
• Experience developing, extending, or applying large-scale computational plasma physics codes.

Salary

$104,000

Working Conditions

• May work in standard office conditions.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• 3 Letters of References

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