Associate Researcher Position in Physics & Astronomy (Fusion Plasma Physics)

Position description

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at UCLA seeks applications for a full-time (100%) Associate Researcher in fusion plasma physics. Highly qualified applications may also be considered for appointment at the Full Researcher level. The Professional Researcher series at UCLA is an academic career position for appointees who engage in independent research and grow into a role of scientific leadership. This position includes managing an existing scientific team, operating and repairing mm-wave diagnostic systems, designing and carrying out fusion plasma experiments, data analysis, and writing of journal articles. The qualified candidate will have significant experience in the development and application of advanced Doppler backscattering (DBS) and cross-polarization scattering (CPS) techniques as applied to fusion plasma research. Experience with these systems is a required component of this position. Other requirements of the position include maintaining and operating DBS and CPS systems, close participation in experimental efforts, leading of experimental efforts, analysis of data using advanced numerical techniques, writing and publishing results in scientific journals, and oral presentations of results. Experience in three-dimensional raytracing and application of a wide array plasma diagnostics to better understand the underlying plasma physics are also required. The successful applicant should be able to successfully collaborate with a wide variety of researchers working as a team on a complex experiment. This work will be performed under the guidance of a Principal Investigator in the UCLA Physics & Astronomy Department. Work will take place onsite at the DIII-D National Fusion Research Facility located in San Diego, CA. Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field and a demonstrated background in plasma physics, microwave-based diagnostics, and advanced data analysis/signal processing techniques.

Candidates should provide: a curriculum vita; a statement of research interests; a publication list; a statement of contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion; complete a reference check authorization release form; and should arrange for 2-3 letters of reference to be uploaded to UCLA Academic Recruit. Applications should be received by August 31, 2024.

The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 13B Represented Professional Research Series (ucop.edu).The salary range for this position is $112,200-$240,000. "Off-scale salaries", i.e. a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field
• A demonstrated background in plasma physics, microwave based diagnostics, and advanced data analysis/signal processing techniques.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research Interests
• Bibliography - Your most recent publication list
• Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate's past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our EDI Statement FAQ document.
• Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
• Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2-3 letters of reference required

Please ask your references to upload their letters directly into UC Recruit
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF09629

Help contact: corinna@physics.ucla.edu

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf .

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .

Job location

San Diego, CA