Research Associate

Job Posting Title Research Associate Hiring Department Institute for Fusion Studies Position Open To All Applicants Weekly Scheduled Hours 40 FLSA Status Exempt from FLSA Earliest Start Date Immediately Position Duration Expected to Continue Location UT MAIN CAMPUS Job Details: The Department of Physics plays a pivotal role in the advancing of knowledge, nurturing the next generation of physicists and making a lasting impact on the world of physics. The College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin, strives to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit. Benefits Employer paid health insurance (employee premiums covered at 100%; spouse and family premiums at 50%) Dental, vision, life and disability insurance options Paid vacation and sick leave Paid holidays Retirement plan Job Description Summary The Institute for Fusion Studies (IFS) in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a researcher to conduct theoretical and computational research in fusion plasma physics. The successful candidate will contribute to key research areas within IFS, with a particular focus on gyrokinetic modeling of edge plasmas. This includes both delta-f gyrokinetic simulations and full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic modeling of the plasma edge, scrape-off layer, and associated transport processes. The researcher will use theory, numerical simulation, and comparison with experimental measurements to improve understanding of plasma turbulence, transport, and confinement in U.S. and international magnetic-confinement fusion experiments. The position also provides opportunities to establish new research directions within IFS and to build collaborations across the broader fusion research community. Key Responsibilities Conduct original theoretical and computational research in fusion plasma physics, with particular emphasis on gyrokinetic simulations of edge plasmas. Apply both delta-f and full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic models to study turbulence, transport, transport barriers, and scrape-off-layer physics. Use theory and simulation to interpret and understand experimental observations from U.S. and international magnetic-confinement fusion experiments. Develop new research topics and capabilities that complement and expand existing research programs within IFS. Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present findings at scientific conferences and workshops. Mentor and collaborate with graduate students and other junior researchers. Contribute to the development of research proposals and grant applications as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or key personnel. Develop productive collaborations with other IFS researchers, faculty, and external collaborators at universities, national laboratories, and international research institutions. Required Qualifications Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, or a closely related field. Several years of post-Ph.D. research experience in plasma physics or a closely related area. Demonstrated ability to carry out innovative research in fusion plasma physics. Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Experience with theoretical and/or computational approaches to magnetic-confinement fusion research. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments. Preferred Qualifications Experience performing gyrokinetic simulations of magnetically confined plasmas. Experience applying gyrokinetic models to plasma turbulence, transport barriers, pedestal physics, and/or scrape-off-layer turbulence. Experience with both conventional core or delta-f gyrokinetic modeling and edge-oriented full-f, cross-separatrix gyrokinetic simulations. Experience connecting gyrokinetic simulations with experimental observations from tokamak or stellarator experiments. Experience developing, extending, or applying large-scale computational plasma physics codes. Salary $104,000 Working Conditions May work in standard office conditions. Employment Eligibility Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval. Retirement Plan Eligibility The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Background Checks A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. Employment Eligibility Verification If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university. 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