Fusion Materials Scientist

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Under general supervision with limited review, this position is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult scientific problems. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives. Documents findings, communicates results to scientific staff and makes technical presentations as required. May coordinate segments of a specific project and may have frequent inter-organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues. Provides direction to design or technical staff and may provide direction to less experienced professional staff.

This position involves performing plasma-materials interactions (PMI) research within the Comprehensive Investigation of Tokamak Impurities and Understanding of Surfaces (CITIUS) program, managed by General Atomics on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. This scientist will lead the integration of experimental data and advanced computational methods to improve predictions of plasma-facing material erosion in fusion devices. Their work will center on developing and managing a comprehensive database of materials testing results from tokamak facilities, with a particular focus on tungsten-based alloys. This role involves coordinating new experiments, benchmarking model outputs against experimental data, and collaborating closely with materials scientists, computational experts, and experimental teams. The scientist will document findings, prepare technical reports and publications, and contribute meaningfully to the broader fusion materials community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Curate, organize, and maintain a comprehensive database of plasma-facing material (PFM) data from DIII-D experiments and other relevant PMI facilities. Ensure data integrity, accessibility, and documentation.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to design and conduct new experiments targeting advanced fusion-relevant alloys, ensuring relevant data for machine learning model development.
• Lead the development, training, and validation of machine learning (ML) models to predict sputter-erosion rates for PFMs, with a focus on MPEAs. Select appropriate ML algorithms, input features, and performance metrics.
• Rigorously compare ML model predictions against BCA model outputs and experimental results. Quantify improvements in predictive accuracy and identify limitations.
• Analyze experimental and ML model results to extract scientific insights about sputtering behavior in complex alloys. Identify trends, anomalies, and implications for material selection.
• Coordinate with materials scientists, computational modelers, and experimental physicists within the CITIUS team and external collaborators. Share findings and solicit feedback.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications summarizing methods, results, and impacts. Ensure all work is well-documented and reproducible.
• Stay informed about advances in ML for materials science and incorporate new techniques as appropriate. Propose improvements to experimental protocols or data collection as needed.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; four or more years experience with a Bachelors degree and two or more years experience with a Masters degree. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Must have:
  • a complete understanding of scientific concepts, principles, codes, and theory;
  • experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and,
  • an expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to:
  • understand new concepts quickly;
  • apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment;
  • organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and,
  • determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one scientific area; and, lead a team of less experienced professional employees on semi-routine tasks.
• Able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Original work(s) published in professional scientific journals or formal technical equivalents are highly desirable.