Lehigh University
6 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Fusion Plasma Physics, Turbulence, Fast-Ion Transport, and AI-Enabled Modeling Lehigh University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Full-time two-year postdoctoral appointment with possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Anticipated salary is $63,480-$90,000 based on qualifications and experience, plus benefits.
Country
United States
University
Lehigh University

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About this position
Lehigh University is advertising a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational fusion plasma physics, with a focus on turbulence, fast-ion transport, predictive modeling, and AI-enabled digital twins for magnetically confined fusion plasmas in tokamaks.
The successful candidate will join the Lehigh University Plasma Control Group (LU-PCG) and work with Professors Eugenio Schuster and Tariq Rafiq. The research combines high-fidelity simulations, reduced transport modeling, experimental validation, and machine learning, with collaborations involving major fusion facilities such as DIII-D, NSTX-U, KSTAR, WEST, and ITER, as well as U.S. DOE GENESIS Mission-related research.
Typical work includes CGYRO simulations, multiscale turbulence studies, analysis of core/pedestal transport, fast-ion redistribution, confinement transitions, surrogate modeling, model calibration, uncertainty quantification, and physics-informed prediction. The role also includes publishing papers, presenting at conferences, mentoring students, and contributing to grant writing.
Eligibility: a completed doctoral degree in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, applied physics, computational science, or a closely related field; strong background in plasma physics and magnetic-confinement fusion; research experience in computational physics/numerical simulation/scientific computing; programming skills in Fortran, Python, MATLAB, C, or C++; and strong communication and teamwork skills. Desired experience includes gyrokinetic turbulence, energetic-particle physics, reduced-MHD/gyrofluid tools, integrated transport modeling, tokamak data analysis, machine learning, and HPC.
Funding: full-time two-year appointment with benefits; salary range $63,480-$90,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The position is on-campus at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with some work also possible at collaborating fusion facilities.
How to apply: submit a cover letter, CV, research statement, and three references through the online application portal. Also email the materials to Prof. Eugenio Schuster at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Funding details
Full-time two-year postdoctoral appointment with possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Anticipated salary is $63,480-$90,000 based on qualifications and experience, plus benefits.
What's required
Doctoral degree in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, applied physics, computational science, or a closely related field completed by the start date; strong foundation in plasma physics and magnetic-confinement fusion; demonstrated research experience in computational physics, numerical simulation, or scientific computing with peer-reviewed publications; proficiency in at least one scientific programming language such as Fortran, Python, MATLAB, C, or C++; strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; commitment to an inclusive research and teaching environment; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional team. Desired experience includes gyrokinetic turbulence simulations (especially CGYRO), energetic-particle physics or fast-ion transport, FAR3d or related tools, integrated transport modeling, L–H/H–L transition physics, experimental tokamak data analysis, machine learning/scientific AI, uncertainty quantification, digital twins, and high-performance computing.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter, CV with publications, research statement, and contact information for three references through the application website. Also email all application materials to Prof. Eugenio Schuster at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.
More information can be found here
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