The Lehigh University Plasma Control Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in computational fusion plasma physics. The successful candidate will join the Lehigh University Plasma Control Group (LU-PCG) and contribute to research on turbulent transport, energetic-particle physics, predictive modeling, and AI-enabled digital twins for magnetically confined fusion plasmas in tokamaks. The research will combine high-fidelity simulations, reduced transport modeling, experimental validation, and machine learning.
A key feature of this position is the opportunity to collaborate with major U.S. and international fusion facilities (such as DIII-D, NSTX-U, KSTAR, WEST, and ITER) and contribute to LU-PCG’s research under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) GENESIS Mission, including scientific machine learning, surrogate development, and integrated core-edge simulation and control. This role offers a unique opportunity to work with Professors Eugenio Schuster and Tariq Rafiq in the field of computational fusion plasma physics, engage in cutting-edge research, build a larger and stronger professional network, and gain experience in mentorship and academic service.
Position Number: RC1460
Anticipated Salary: $63,480 - $90,000 (based on qualifications and experience) + Benefits.
Key Responsibilities
The incoming postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental and applied research in computational fusion plasma physics, turbulence, fast-ion transport, and AI-enabled modeling. The researcher will lead or contribute to key research activities within the LU-PCG, advancing integrated modeling and control for magnetically confined fusion plasmas in tokamaks. Specific responsibilities include:
- Perform global CGYRO simulations to investigate turbulence spreading and nonlocal transport effects.
- Conduct multiscale CGYRO simulations to study cross-scale interactions among ion- and electron-scale turbulence.
- Quantify the effects of electron beta and collisionality on core and pedestal transport, including comparisons between lithium-conditioned and non-lithium plasma conditions.
- Analyze simulation and experimental results to identify the physical mechanisms governing turbulent transport, fast-ion redistribution, confinement transitions, and pedestal behavior.
- Develop or apply AI and machine-learning methods for rapid surrogate modeling, model calibration, state estimation, uncertainty quantification, and physics-informed prediction.
- Contribute to U.S. Department of Energy GENESIS-related AI research, including the development and validation of fast models for integrated core-edge digital twins, control-oriented simulations, and fusion-plasma scenario optimization.
- Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and collaborative meetings.
- Assist in the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance on computational techniques, data analysis, and project development.
- Contribute to grant writing, including assisting in the development of proposals and identifying funding opportunities.
- Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and other academic events.
The precise balance of activities will be determined by the candidate's expertise and the needs of the research program.
Required Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, applied physics, computational science, or a closely related field, completed by the start of the appointment.
- Strong foundation in plasma physics and magnetic-confinement fusion.
- Demonstrated research experience in computational physics, numerical simulation, or scientific computing, with a track record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language, such as Fortran, Python, MATLAB, C, or C++.
- Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills..
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive research and teaching environment.
- Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional research team.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable (candidates are not expected to have prior experience in every area listed):
- Gyrokinetic turbulence simulations, particularly with CGYRO or a comparable code.
- Energetic-particle physics or fast-ion transport modeling.
- FAR3d or related reduced-MHD/gyrofluid simulation tools.
- Integrated transport modeling using COTSIM, MMM, TRANSP, or related frameworks.
- L–H/H–L transition physics, pedestal evolution, or core-edge coupling.
- Analysis and validation using experimental data from tokamak facilities.
- Machine learning, scientific AI, neural-network surrogate models, physics-informed neural networks, uncertainty quantification, or digital-twin development.
- High-performance computing and parallel numerical workflows.
Terms of Appointment
This is a full-time, two-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position will start on a mutually agreed-upon date. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, including benefits. Please visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Office website for the compensation policy at Lehigh University.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter detailing research experience and interests, career goals, and alignment with the LU-PCG’s research areas.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of publications.
- A research statement (1-2 pages).
- Contact information for three references (name and email).
Applications should be submitted through this website by following the link at the bottom of the page. Please also send a copy of all application materials to Prof. Eugenio Schuster, Director of LU-PCG, via e-mail (schuster@lehigh.edu). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About Lehigh University & LU Plasma Control Group
For more than 150 years, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. The institution is among the nation's most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics (MEM) is consistently ranked among the best in the country. Lehigh’s five colleges provide graduate and undergraduate education to approximately 8,000 students. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is 80 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia, providing an accessible and convenient location with an appealing mix of urban and rural lifestyles. The Lehigh Valley International Airport is just six miles from campus. Lehigh Valley cities and towns are regularly listed as among the best places to live in the country.
The Lehigh University Plasma Control Group, directed by Professors Eugenio Schuster and Tariq Rafiq, conducts research at the intersection of theory-based modeling, predictive simulation, artificial intelligence, and plasma control. Group members have backgrounds in plasma physics, applied mathematics, computational science, machine learning, and control engineering. Current collaborations involve major fusion facilities and research programs, including DIII-D (San Diego, CA, USA), NSTX-U (Princeton, NJ, USA), KSTAR (Daejeon, South Korea), WEST (CEA Cadarache, France), ITER (Saint- Paul-lez-Durance, France), and U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories.
Institutional Statements & Standard Policy Language
Lehigh University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth, personal development, and a strong sense of community. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we value the unique perspectives and experiences of our employees. Competitive benefits, including comprehensive healthcare plans, tuition remission, and retirement savings opportunities, ensure your well-being and long-term success. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
- The duties of the position do not allow for a fully remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work at Lehigh University (on-campus) or at one of the LU-PCG’s collaborating fusion facilities (off-campus).
- This position works with minors
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
