Divertor Plasma Physicist

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.

We are seeking highly motivated plasma physicists to join our team, focusing on analysis and simulation of the divertor region of a stellarator magnetic field. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in plasma physics, with a particular emphasis on plasma fluid models, neutral particle models, and/or atomic processes within a plasma. Experience with the boundary of fusion devices is a plus. You will work with an exciting and dynamic team, contributing to cutting-edge research and development in Thea Energy’s stellarator systems.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement algorithms for the simulation of fluid plasma within a complex magnetic edge topology.
• Conduct simulations and analysis of collisional edge plasma in stellarators, coupled with neutral-particle and atomic physics models.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design a stellarator divertor system.
• Perform data analysis, model validation, and provide insights into the physical mechanisms governing plasma behavior.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications based on simulation results and optimization findings.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in computational plasma physics, fusion energy, and optimization techniques.

Required Experience & Skillsets

• PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field, or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 5+ years of experience or master’s degree in relevant field with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of computational plasma physics and numerical simulations.
• Experience with the boundary of fusion devices, especially stellarators, is a plus.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++, or MATLAB).
• Familiarity with simulation tools used in plasma physics research.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for advancing the field of fusion energy research.
• Willingness to collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers within the company and externally.

Ideal Experience & Skillsets

• Experience with edge plasma models such as SOLPS, UEDGE, EMC3-EIRENE.
• Experience on a plasma physics experimental device, ideally a large stellarator or tokamak experiment.
• Understanding of plasma fluid models and neutral particle models.
• Familiarity with Plasma-Material Interactions.
• Experience in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.

Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.