Senior Computational Physicist - Boundary PhysicsLocation: Knoxville TN, Madison WI or Vancouver BC
Salary: Highly Competitive Plus Benefits
Contract: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Senior Director of Physics Analysis
Your role in the mission:We are seeking an accomplished
Senior Computational Physicist - Boundary Physics to lead advanced research and modeling efforts focused on edge, scrape-off layer (SOL), and divertor physics for next-generation fusion energy systems. This role will play a critical part in developing predictive capabilities for plasma boundary behavior, particle and heat exhaust, impurity transport, and plasma-material interactions to support the design and operation of stellarator technologies.
The successful candidate will combine deep expertise in computational plasma physics with demonstrated scientific leadership, helping guide boundary physics strategy, mentor researchers, and collaborate across physics, engineering, and experimental teams
Responsibilities:- Lead research and development activities in boundary plasma physics, contributing to divertor design and analysis of plasma, neutral, and impurity transport in the edge region.
- Conduct modeling and interpretation of stellarator edge and divertor physics, including application of 3D plasma-neutral simulation tools (e.g., EMC3-EIRENE) and development of reduced-order predictive SOL and divertor models.
- Perform integrated analysis of core-edge coupling and its impact on plasma performance, particle exhaust, impurity control, and operational boundaries.
- Contribute to plasma-material interaction (PMI) modeling, including erosion, redeposition, material migration, and plasma-facing component lifetime assessments using ERO2.0, GITRm, or related tools.
- Provide technical leadership for a small team of scientists and researchers through mentorship, project planning, and coordination of modeling and analysis activities.
- Collaborate with engineering and experimental teams to develop operational scenarios and validation strategies for Infinity One.
What you'll need:- Ph.D. in plasma physics or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in scrape-off layer (SOL), divertor, and boundary plasma physics.
- Experience with stellarator edge physics and island divertor configurations is highly desirable.
- Experience with edge plasma modeling tools such as EMC3-EIRENE, SOLPS-ITER, UEDGE, or comparable simulation frameworks is preferred.
- Approximately 10 years or more of experience in fusion edge/divertor physics, numerical modeling, and scientific leadership is desirable, including experience leading collaborative research efforts.
We offer:
In addition to a basic salary and yearly bonus, you will also get...
- A hybrid work policy
- Stock options
- Relocation allowance
- Insurance plans
- Retirement options
- And many more great voluntary benefits
