Postdoc 2020

The University of California Davis, Department of Electric and Computer Engineering (https://ece.ucdavis.edu/) and the Millimeter Wave and Plasma Diagnostics Group (https://sites.google.com/view/mmwave/home) is recruiting a full-time (100%) postdoctoral researcher to support the growth of the program and expand its research activities in the area of terahertz diagnostics applications for fusion plasmas, which will be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy beginning September 1, 2020. In particular, we are looking for an expert with strong scientific background, good communication skills, and solid experience in the area of fusion plasma physics:

The position will focus on the development and application of far-infrared high-k poloidal scattering diagnostic techniques to measure the k_θ-spectrum of both electron temperature gradient (ETG) and ion temperature gradient (ITG) modes on the NSTX-U tokamak at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in Princeton, New Jersey. Tasks include (1) completing, commissioning, and operating a new, dedicated scattering diagnostic on NSTX-U and (2) leading and participating in experiments in collaboration with NSTX-U researchers.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be stationed in Princeton, New Jersey at the NSTX-U facility at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory but will be expected to make frequent trips to UC Davis to work with researchers. The initial appointment will be for a 24-month period, with the possibility of renewal for up to an additional 36 months subject to satisfactory performance and renewal of funding.

Other essential qualifications include an excellent track of scientific publications; excellent English-language writing skills; ability to meet deadlines, work well with minimal direction and with a team, and produce high-quality research output; good time management and record keeping. Candidates should have completed a doctoral degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering at the time of hire. Candidates with strong multidisciplinary skills covering more than one of the areas listed above are particularly encouraged to apply.

The selected candidates will join a well-established team working on research in plasma physics and laser technology at the University of California, Davis. They will work with Professor N.C. Luhmann Jr., Dr. Yilun Zhu and other researchers in the program on projects related to address the challenges in this important field. Other duties commensurate with the researcher’s qualifications will also be assigned. There is also expected to be considerable scope for the researchers to conduct independent work, including advanced analyses of other data and preparation of papers for publication in scholarly journals, as well as to be involved in other research activities directed by Professor N.C. Luhmann, Jr. and other UC Davis colleagues. We offer a competitive salary and generous benefits, including health insurance, retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, and support to a successful career in scientific research. The successful candidates will be encouraged to submit the output of their work to scientific conferences and professional meetings. Pending acceptance of the work, and funding availability, they will receive support for the attendance of these meetings.

The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and applications from women and under-represented minorities are encouraged.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, and names/contact information of three references in a single PDF file to: lalombardo@ucdavis.edu. Please format the file name as {lastname_initials}_3RFM_postdoc2019.pdf and include “Postdoc Search” in the subject line of the e-mail. Screening of applications will begin immediately, and recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Interviews with applicants will be scheduled via phone or videoconference.