Staff Scientist - Plasma Material Interaction

About the role

The Staff Scientist will lead the development of predictive computational workflows and experimental campaigns to understand and mitigate plasma‑material interactions for the ARC fusion power plant. This position bridges plasma physics, materials science, and nuclear engineering to enable reliable design of plasma‑facing components.

Key responsibilities

• Build computational workflows to predict PFC material degradation under plasma loading conditions and assess impact on plasma performance.
• Develop models for PFC degradation under neutron irradiation.
• Support the ARC design team with lifetime estimates, component shaping, and overload consequences.
• Conduct experimental tests of candidate ARC materials at global test facilities, including heat‑load and neutron‑irradiation campaigns.
• Benchmark predictive models using SPARC experimental data.
• Create interpretive models to infer PFC material state from power‑plant diagnostics.
• Act as a liaison among the Plasma Physics, Materials Science, and Nuclear Engineering departments.
• Manage collaborations with universities, national labs, and industry partners worldwide.
• Present results at technical conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.

Required profile

• PhD (or equivalent) in plasma physics, materials science, nuclear engineering, or a related field with research experience in plasma‑material interactions.
• Working knowledge of plasma‑material interactions in magnetically confined plasmas (heat/particle loads, sputtering, erosion, dust formation, diagnostics).
• Understanding of multiscale material evolution under plasma and/or neutron loading (damage, defect kinetics, microstructural changes, property degradation).
• Experience with at least two of the following calculations: ion energy‑angle distribution (hPIC), binary collision approximation (RustBCA, SDTrimSP, F‑TRIDYN), cluster dynamics/rate theory (Xolotl), finite‑element tools (ANSYS, MOOSE, COMSOL).
• Experience designing and executing test campaigns at plasma‑material exposure devices (e.g., Magnum‑PSI, MPEX) or high heat‑flux facilities (e.g., GLADIS, HADES).
• Proficiency in Python, C++ or similar languages, version control (git), and HPC environments (Slurm, AWS).
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.

Required skills

• Python
• C++
• Git
• Slurm
• AWS
• ANSYS
• MOOSE
• COMSOL
• RustBCA
• SDTrimSP
• F‑TRIDYN
• Xolotl
• hPIC
• Docker
• Apptainer
• SOLPS‑ITER
• EMC3‑EIRENE

What we offer

• Salary range $130,000 – $200,000 per year plus equity.
• Competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and generous parental leave.
• 13 company‑wide holidays, flexible vacation days, and 10 sick days.
• Professional growth opportunities and team‑building activities.