Postdoctoral Research Associate - RF Plasma Sources for Plasma-Material Interactions

Requisition Id 13256 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist who will focus on RF plasma sources for plasma-material interactions (PMI) exhibited in plasma devices relevant to the development of materials to enable fusion energy.  This position resides in the Diagnostics and Control Group in the Burning Plasma Foundations Section, Fusion Energy Division, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

As part of our research team, you will make significant contributions to projects involving fusion research, instrumentation of mission-critical systems, and other research projects. The D&C group carries out experiment-based research and development work in support of ongoing science and technology research for the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program in the Office of Science.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop the skills to operate the RF plasma sources (especially helicon antenna) for the Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX).  This includes the instrumentation that will be used to assess the device performance for use in the scientific exploration of materials exposed to high-heat flux plasmas.
• Science area:  Investigate the efficiency of launched-RF power to plasma production (density and temperature).
• Conduct research on processes that arise from the interaction of plasmas and material surfaces, for example in the context of plasma facing components located in fusion-relevant research devices, such as the MPEX linear plasma device.
• Build collaborative relationships with international and domestic scientists in support of research to understand the physics of plasma material interactions and to develop viable materials for use in plasma facing components.
• Routinely communicate results of their research in high-impact presentations, reports, conference papers, and key peer-reviewed journals.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and engineers in the areas of fusion energy research to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Ensure a safe and efficient work environment and compliance with ESH&Q procedures and programs.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of professional values and ethics.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A Doctoral degree in physical chemistry, plasma physics, atomic physics, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 3 years of experience
• A demonstrated history of publication in the area of research.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiearity with diagnostic systems for use in plasma devices is beneficial, eg. Thomson Scattering, TALIF, and other spectroscopic instruments; IR and visible camera imaging; RFEA probes, double Langmuir probes, and surface temperature probes.
• Familiarity with the use of electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, laser induced break-down spectroscopy, nuclear reaction analysis, Rutherford backscattering spectroscpy, low energy ion scattering spectory and other techniques is beneficial. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs   
• A desire to mentor students and/or early career researchers

 

Export control, no clearance:  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

 

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for ex