Postdoctoral Scholar – Computational Plasma Physics and Fusion Science

Position Overview

School / Campus / College: College of Engineering

Organization: William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Title: Postdoctoral Scholar – Computational Plasma Physics and Fusion Science

Position Details

Position 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
  • Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications)
  • 2 letters of recommendation

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

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Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.