Postdoctoral Associate: Disruptions Group

Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC), to carry out fundamental and applied research in support of integrated core and edge MHD instability control for metallic wall tokamaks. The successful candidate will work in the Disruptions group (https://disruptions.mit.edu/) and focus on the application and controllability quantification of real-time solutions for avoiding and preventing off-normal events, e.g. tearing and neoclassical tearing modes in metal-wall scenarios. The hire will support the creation and validation of machine learning (ML) and hybrid physics+ML models to monitor and control the proximity to stability boundaries, their compliance with open and FAIR principles, besides leading/supporting experiments at DIII-D and international tokamaks. The hire is 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.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Plasma Science, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience with plasma physics, MHD stability, or fusion energy research is required.
• Familiarity with large-scale data management, curation, FAIR data principles, and machine learning.
• Experience conducting original scientific research as well as publishing in scientific journals.
• Demonstrated skills in scientific programming (Python preferred, JAX desirable), and control system integration (C/C++ familiarity).
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multi-institutional environment,including staff and students from MIT, other universities, national laboratories, and private industry.
• Commitment to mentoring and outreach in support of a diverse research community.

• Application material should include a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of three references.  This material should be submitted as a single PDF in the resume field of the application.
• The position will be 100% off-campus at General Atomics (GA) in San Diego, CA, working in close coordination with GA researchers and MIT collaborators, including Columbia University, UCSD, and UCI.
• This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding.
• The position is eligible for visa sponsorship. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check