Job Posting Title:Research Associate
----Hiring Department:Institute for Fusion Studies
----Position Open To:All Applicants
----Weekly Scheduled Hours:40
----FLSA Status:Exempt from FLSA
----Earliest Start Date:Immediately
----Position Duration:Expected to Continue
----Location:UT MAIN CAMPUS
----Job Details:Job Description SummaryThe 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
Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, any additional Required Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select the additional files or click the Upload button for each file. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs. Before you apply though, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will need to click the Upload button multiple times in order to attach your Resume, References and any additional Required Materials noted above.
Employment Eligibility:Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
Retirement Plan Eligibility:The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
Background Checks:A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
