Computational Physicist

About the role

You will own the development and execution of advanced simulations for pulsed power systems, focusing on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), particle-in-cell (PIC), and circuit modeling to capture complex plasma behaviors. You will leverage your deep expertise in physics and mathematics to build models that explore high-energy-density phenomena and drive innovation in energy, aerospace, or quantum-relevant applications. You will utilize and modify the Screamer circuit code to model high-voltage pulse generation and delivery, ensuring the models reflect real-world system constraints and performance metrics. You will conduct MHD simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations, analyzing stability, evolution, and interaction with electromagnetic fields. You will implement and analyze PIC simulations to investigate plasma interactions and beam dynamics, resolving kinetic effects and particle transport mechanisms. You will model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling into plasma loads, optimizing parameters for efficient power delivery and minimal losses. You will collaborate closely with experimentalists to validate models, iteratively refining assumptions and methodologies to align simulation outcomes with physical measurements and diagnostic data. You will develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC) environments, ensuring scalability and robustness for large-scale simulations. You will analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports that inform technical decisions and project direction.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and run simulations for pulsed power systems using MHD, PIC, and circuit models to capture transient phenomena and nonlinear effects.
• Utilize and modify Screamer circuit code for modeling high-voltage pulse generation and delivery, adapting numerical methods for accuracy and stability.
• Conduct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations to study plasma dynamics in fusion and Z-pinch configurations, exploring instabilities and evolution under varying conditions.
• Implement and analyze particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations for plasma interactions and beam dynamics, resolving kinetic-scale physics and transport processes.
• Model impedance matching in Marx generators and analyze energy coupling in plasma loads, assessing efficiency and transient response across the system.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to validate models and optimize system performance, integrating feedback to refine simulation frameworks and assumptions.
• Develop custom computational tools and optimize existing codes for high-performance computing (HPC), ensuring parallel scalability and efficient resource utilization.
• Analyze and interpret large data sets, extracting meaningful insights and presenting findings in clear, concise reports for technical and cross-functional audiences.
• Develop software tools and algorithms to optimize simulation processes and improve computational efficiency, streamlining workflows and enhancing reproducibility.
• Stay up to date with advancements in computational techniques, programming languages, and physical theories to apply state-of-the-art methodologies to projects.
• Contribute to academic papers, technical reports, and presentations, sharing results with both internal teams and external collaborators to advance collective understanding.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment that encourages rigorous inquiry and creativity.
• Support the design and analysis of pulsed power experiments by translating physical requirements into simulation frameworks and diagnostic strategies.
• Evaluate emerging numerical methods and algorithms for their potential to improve fidelity, reduce computational cost, or enable new types of simulations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field with a strong focus on computational methods and applied physics.
• Strong background in computational plasma physics and high-energy-density physics, with demonstrated experience in large-scale simulations and analysis.
• Experience with Screamer, MAGIC, HYDRA, or similar circuit and plasma codes, including modifying and extending existing simulation frameworks.
• Proficiency in MHD and PIC simulation techniques, including formulation, discretization, and validation against theoretical and experimental benchmarks.
• Solid understanding of pulsed power systems, high-voltage engineering, and plasma diagnostics, with knowledge of pulse shaping, transmission lines, and load interactions.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB for numerical modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development.
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and parallel computing, including message-passing libraries and performance optimization.
• Strong foundation in theoretical physics, including knowledge of quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, or statistical mechanics relevant to plasma and energy systems.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and attention to detail, with a methodical approach to debugging complex simulations and interpreting results.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex results to both technical and non-technical audiences through written and oral formats.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Z-pinch, MagLIF, dense plasma focus devices, and fusion energy concepts, including key experimental campaigns and diagnostic techniques.
• Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods for electromagnetic and plasma simulations.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic wave propagation and plasma-material interactions, including sheath physics, boundary conditions, and energy deposition.
• Experience working in experimental plasma physics or fusion research, with hands-on involvement in diagnostics, data acquisition, or hardware development.
• Strong publication record in computational physics or related fields, with peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals and conference proceedings.
• Background in developing custom software tools for physical simulations, including build systems, testing frameworks, and documentation practices.
• Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git) and collaboration platforms, enabling efficient teamwork and reproducible workflows.
• Prior experience publishing research or contributing to academic journals and conferences, with active participation in the scientific community.

Practical notes

You must be able to travel and work extended hours/weekends as needed.

You must be authorized to work in the United States and meet ITAR compliance requirements; U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or specific protected individual status is required.