Research Associate, Plasma Fueling and Particle Control Physics

Research Associate, Plasma Fueling and Particle Control Physics

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.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• 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.

• PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• 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.

• 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.

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…