Computational Physicist for Extreme Astrophysical Plasmas

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is seeking to fill a Computational Physicist for Extreme Astrophysical Plasmas position in the Computational Sciences Department. The successful candidate will establish and solicit long-term funding for a research program focused on the study of extreme astrophysical plasmas. Also, the incumbent will develop novel plasma simulation methods and codes for use by the broader astrophysical community, with applications to problems in one or more of the following areas: the electromagnetic acceleration processes and other plasma dynamics associated with neutron stars and merging compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes; ultra-relativistic plasma behavior, with electromagnetic fields that exceed the Schwinger limit; efficient multiscale, multiphysics simulations of ultra-relativistic plasmas with regions of long and short mean free path; and/or general modeling of electromagnetic and source physics for multi-messenger astronomy, which may require incorporation at a fundamental level of both special and general relativity in one simulation framework. Problems of this nature will benefit tremendously from confident and early use of exascale computing resources. Our ideal candidate will therefore have significant experience with working on leading-edge computer systems. A strong background in astrophysics, plasma physics, and high-performance, parallel computing is preferred.

The Computational Sciences Department at PPPL was recently formed to provide a focus for computational physics and engineering. We specialize in algorithms and applied mathematics, data science and learning, high performance computing, multiscale integrated modeling, and software technology. While our current strengths reflect the traditional focus of the Laboratory on magnetic confinement fusion (MCF), with funding from the Department of Energy’s offices of Fusion Energy Sciences and the Advanced Scientific Computing Research, PPPL has always had a broad and healthy research program in areas other than MCF, including developing the theoretical and computational foundations of the dynamics and thermodynamics of naturally occurring plasmas.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

The successful candidate will lead the Laboratory’s effort within a significant collaboration we have established with Princeton University, Columbia University, and the University of Maryland. Responsibilities will include setting the technical direction of the coding projects, recruiting new team members, seeking and securing funds to support the Laboratory team (in steady state; funding has been secured for the first three years); supporting members of the astrophysical community who wish to use the codes that are developed; and presenting and publishing original research in this general area.

Core Duties: 

• Design, produce, and support open-source, community codes for this research area, with an emphasis on obtaining high performance on petascale and exascale platforms.

• Maintain a deep and functional awareness of new trends in high performance computing, including software technologies such as portability libraries (e.g., Kokkos), heterogeneous architectures such as CPU/GPU machines, and the like.

• Test and deploy algorithms for multiphysics settings, such as coupling large-scale fluid descriptions with small-scale kinetic descriptions, with the goal of describing system-scale physics of plasmas that also include very high-frequency, microscopic phenomena such as vigorous particle creation and annihilation.

• Present original results at international conferences on a regular basis and use those occasions to recruit outstanding computational scientists to join the PPPL effort.

Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years professional experience, in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment.
• A proven track record of publishing original results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership and collaboration experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Expertise with plasma simulation techniques, code development, and parallel computing.
• Demonstrated understanding (through recent original, published research) of the theories of special and general relativity in the context of plasma physics.
• Technical writing skills and oral skills required to communicate effectively with colleagues from the high-performance computing, plasma physics, and astronomy communities.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.