Postdoctoral Scholar – Computational Plasma Physics and Fusion Science
Postdoc @The University of Washington posted 1 month agoJob Description
The University of Washington is recruiting a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar in the field of Computational Plasma Physics and Fusion Science. Our research group develops high-fidelity physics models, implements novel computational algorithms to solve the models, and applies these computational tools to gain physical insight that benefit experimental devices. Applications include basic plasma physics, magnetically and inertially confined plasmas for fusion, advanced space propulsion, and other plasma technologies. Plasmas are represented with MHD models, multi-fluid models, and multi-species kinetic models. The research group develops high-order numerical algorithms for these plasma models and implements them on massively parallel computers – CPU, GPU, and APU systems.
The successful candidate will work with Prof. Uri Shumlak and Prof. Jingwei Hu and contribute to a project that combines novel low-rank methods and high-order spatial and temporal discretizations to efficiently solve a first-principles kinetic model of burning fusion plasmas on exascale systems and applies the developed computational tools to address open scientific questions.
The candidate will join the Computational Plasma Dynamics Group at the University of Washington and have the opportunity to engage with the broader plasma physics, fusion science, and applied math communities through attendance at conferences, workshops, and networking events. They will receive hands-on research mentorship and professional development support, with potential opportunities for teaching.
This full-time 100% FTE 12-month position is eligible for an annual reappointment, based on research performance and funding availability. The base salary for this position will be $6,667/month ($80,000/year). The anticipated start for this position is August 16, 2025, or soon thereafter.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of a PhD in engineering, physics, applied math, computational math, or a related field at the time of the appointment.
- Experience in computational plasma physics, numerical methods, and HPC.
- Ability to function and thrive in a collaborative environment.
- Experience in publishing articles in peer reviewed journals.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Interest in mentoring / supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
- Ability to manage priorities and timelines.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application.
Desired Qualifications:
- Expertise in the modeling of inertially or magnetically confined fusion plasmas.
- Expertise in computational techniques including low-rank, spectral, finite volume, finite element (such as discontinuous Galerkin) methods.
- Knowledge of fluid and kinetic plasma models and of nuclear and atomic reactions.
- Experience with numerical implementation on CPU-based and GPU-based HPC systems.
- Experience teaching engineering or applied math courses
Instructions
For full consideration, applicants should submit via Interfolio, the following by April 30, 2025:
- Cover letter
- Letter should be no more than one page detailing:
- their research experience
- how their interests would fit the project
- career plans
- available start date
- Letter should be no more than one page detailing:
- Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications)
- 2 letters of recommendation
