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POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Plasma Science and Fusion Center, to carry out fundamental and applied research supporting the SPARC and ARC tokamaks, two devices expected to lead to deployment of fusion as an economic energy source. The work will focus on simulating the interactions among fast ions (e.g., DT-fusion alphas and ICRH minority H and He3 species) with MHD (e.g., Alfven eigenmodes, energetic particle modes, fishbones, etc.). Interactions with low-frequency MHD (e.g.. tearing modes and sawteeth) and turbulence may also be explored. Will interface with several teams to inform integrated modeling efforts, diagnostic design and implementation, and SPARC operations. Will also be expected to make original research contributions to the PSFC program, produce work for publication, present work at scientific conferences, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in plasma physics or closely related field; broad knowledge of tokamak physics; and ability to communicate effectively and work in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment with staff and students from MIT, other universities, national laboratories, and private industry. PREFERRED: experience with non/linear gyro/kinetic/MHD simulations, especially in the area of fast ion + MHD modeling (examples of such codes include TGLF-EP, MEGA, and GTC); and proficiency with Python programming. Job #22260

The initial appointment is for one year but is renewable for up to three years based upon satisfactory performance.