Scientist - Scenarios and Integrated Modeling at Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Massachusetts, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Fusion Energy, Clean Energy, Physics ResearchIndustries

Requirements

PhD in plasma physics or a closely related discipline
Minimum 2 years post-PhD experience in magnetic fusion
Significant experience with fusion plasma simulation and modeling software
Significant experience in planning, executing, and/or analyzing fusion experiments
Expertise in magnetic fusion experiment and simulation
Strong insight on physics issues

Responsibilities

Refine, optimize, and validate a comprehensive integrated modeling toolset capable of predicting plasma performance and dynamics (including models of core turbulent and neoclassical transport, H-mode pedestal and L-mode edge, coupling to boundary, ICRH heating, energetic particle physics, MHD stability, and impurity transport; rapid execution workflows for control and experiment planning, higher fidelity models for offline analysis)
Work closely with a multi-institutional team of experts to incorporate state-of-the-art physics capabilities and validate models
Employ integrated modeling tools to plan and execute plasma pulses to achieve key goals including net fusion power on SPARC, and continuously improve toolset as new data becomes available
Identify, execute, and continuously improve operational scenarios for achieving SPARC goals
Work closely with physics, diagnostics, operations, plasma control, and software teams to design and execute plasma scenarios on SPARC
Contribute to physics design and optimization of ARC
Develop plasma physics scenarios for SPARC and ARC based on comprehensive integrated simulation and modeling of the core and edge plasma
Coordinate with a multi-institutional team of plasma physics experts to develop and improve an integrated modeling toolset, and employ it for experimental planning and analysis on SPARC
Play a key role in defining plasma operation goals and identifying optimal operation scenarios
Participate directly in execution and analysis of SPARC operations

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

plasma physicsintegrated modelingsimulationtokamakSPARCARCexperimental planningedge plasma modelingpredictive toolchain

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time role.

Is remote work available for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills are required for the Scientist - Scenarios and Integrated Modeling role?

The role requires expertise in plasma physics, integrated modeling and simulation of core and edge plasma, and coordination with multi-institutional teams of plasma physics experts. Key areas include models of core turbulent and neoclassical transport, H-mode pedestal and L-mode edge, ICRH heating, energetic particle physics, MHD stability, and impurity transport.

What is the company culture like at Commonwealth Fusion Systems?

The company seeks thinkers, doers, builders, and makers who bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team, emphasizing collaboration in a mission-driven environment to enable the transition to fusion energy.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

Strong candidates will have expertise in plasma physics scenario development, experience with integrated modeling toolsets for tokamaks like SPARC and ARC, and the ability to coordinate multi-institutional teams while contributing to experimental planning, execution, and analysis.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Develops and commercializes fusion energy systems

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems focuses on developing fusion energy as a clean and sustainable power source. The company utilizes advanced magnet technology, created in partnership with MIT, to build smaller and more affordable fusion systems called tokamaks. These devices use magnetic fields to confine plasma in a toroidal shape, which is an effective method for achieving fusion. Currently, CFS is manufacturing high-temperature superconducting magnets and constructing SPARC, the first commercially-relevant net energy fusion machine. The success of SPARC is intended to lead to the development of ARC, the first fusion power plant. CFS differentiates itself from competitors by its commitment to scientific integrity and a mission-driven approach, focusing on delivering cost-competitive fusion energy to help combat climate change. The ultimate goal is to provide a reliable and abundant energy source for energy providers and industries that require significant power.

Harvard, MassachusettsHeadquarters

2018Year Founded

$1,958.7MTotal Funding

GRANTCompany Stage

EnergyIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

12.5 Company-wide Holidays

Our vacation policy is 'take vacation'

Our sick time policy is 'get better and try not to make others sick'

Generous parental leave policy

Health Reimbursement

Health, Dependent Care, & Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts

Delta Dental, Blue 20/20 Vision optional

Wellbeing / Headspace coverage

Short-term & long-term disability

Life and AD&D insurance

401K

Risks

Competition from companies like TAE Technologies could impact CFS's market position.

Reliance on rare-earth materials poses supply chain risks.

Public perception of nuclear fusion technology remains uncertain.

Differentiation

CFS uses rare-earth barium copper oxide superconductor technology for energy development.

CFS collaborates with MIT for advanced fusion research and magnet technology.

CFS is building SPARC, the first commercially-relevant net energy fusion machine.

Upsides

CFS plans to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant in Virginia.

Increased investment in fusion energy startups indicates strong investor interest.

Government net-zero targets align with CFS's clean energy mission.

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