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# Strategic Science Initiative (SSI) Fellowship Program

- **Company:** Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)
- **Location:** United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $93,500.0 - $149,300.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, NumPy, OpenMP, Enterprise Software Applications, PIC Microcontroller, Pytorch, Surrogate Models, Recurrent Neural Networks
- **Published:** October 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.military.com/career/361166/computational-associate-research-scientist-in-the-area-low-temperature-low-pressure-processing-plasma-new-jersey-nj-princeton

## About the Role

This will require working with and maintaining the LTP-PIC software, a particle-in-cell (PIC) software package developed at PPPL for these purposes. The candidate should have strong familiarity with compiler level languages, accelerated computing (preferably with OpenMP or OpenACC) and distributed computing (MPI). A thorough understanding of the particle-in-cell algorithm, its inherent limitations, and potential avenues for performance enhancement is also required. Furthermore, the candidate should demonstrate substantial practical knowledge of low-pressure magnetron, capacitively and inductively coupled discharges employed in plasma processing, coupled with a proven track record of kinetic modeling of such discharges.\n
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The candidate should be familiar with machine-learning principles for science, including generative A.I. and surrogate models, especially of convolutional and recurrent neural networks. Familiarity with Python, NumPy and PyTorch will be essential for this position.\n
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The computational tools developed will be instrumental in studies of magnetron, capacitively-coupled plasmas and partially magnetized plasma sources, as well as the fundamental understanding of anomalous transport and plasma turbulence within these devices. The software will also be disseminated to the broader academic and industrial communities, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate these relationships.\n, * Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering or a related field with core training in low-temperature plasma physics and high-performance computing.\n

 * Minimum 3 years of professional experience in an academic, scientific, or R&D environment is preferred.\n
 * A proven track record of publishing original results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.\n
 * A proven track record of developing high-performance codes.\n
 * Demonstrated collaborative experience within academia and with industry.\n