Scientist - Disruption Physics

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems: 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on a mission to deliver the urgent transition to fusion energy.

Combining decades of research, top talent and new technologies, we’re designing and building commercially viable fusion power plants. And working with policymakers and suppliers to build the energy industry of the future. 

We’re in the best position to make it happen. Since 2018, we’ve raised over $2 billion in capital – more than any other fusion energy company in the U.S.

Now we’re looking for more thinkers, doers, builders, and makers to join us. People who’ll bring new perspectives, solve tough problems, and thrive as part of a team. 

If that’s you and this role fits, we want to hear from you.

Join the power movement as a Scientist - Disruption Physics

The Scientist - Disruption Physics will lead the prediction, avoidance and physics studies of disruption chains of events allowing SPARC to efficiently meet its missions and laying the foundation for disruption prediction on ARC. 

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is building the SPARC tokamak, which aims to be the first magnetic confinement device to achieve net energy and is predicted to operate with an energy gain up to 11, producing up to 140 MW of fusion power. SPARC is also the first tokamak to operate with disruption loads on the power plant scale. In order to maximize the lifetime of SPARC and to accelerate the achievement of operational milestones, high performance disruptions should be avoided or predicted and mitigated as often as possible. The appearance of disruption precursors and knowledge of proximity to instability boundaries allows for the plasma control system to take actions either to avoid or to mitigate disruptions. This person will collate a complete set of robust off-normal warnings, determine appropriate responses to each warning, and advance the physics of disruption prediction and avoidance. On the CFS Disruptions Team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to observe power plant relevant disruption physics for the first time and help in formulating the solution. 

• Lead the prediction, avoidance and physics studies of disruption chains of events 
• Work closely with physics, diagnostics, and plasma control system (PCS) teams to direct the development of the Off Normal Warning System (ONWS)
• Act as a disruption operator during SPARC operations with a particular focus on the ONWS and help inform control responses to detected events
• Work with collaborators to demonstrate ONWS observers on present day tokamaks
• Contribute to the development of the ONWS within the plasma control system
• Develop physics-based, empirical, or data-driven models for evaluating and optimizing the performance of the ONWS, and to inform optimal control responses
• Define the requirements for control room tools for efficiently optimizing ONWS thresholds between plasma pulses, and contribute to development

• PhD in plasma physics or a closely related discipline 
• Research experience in magnetic fusion 
• Ability to work collaboratively on teams
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly
• Practical and results focused
• Ability to think clearly under pressure

• Experience developing off-line disruption prediction algorithms
• Experience developing real-time disruption prediction algorithms
• Experience with machine learning
• Tokamak control room experience
• Experience with Python, C++, and/or git version control
• Research experience with plasma disruptions
• 2+ years experience post PhD

• Perform extended activities such as typing, standing, sitting, etc.
• Willingness to travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call regularly
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics

#LI-Hybrid

At CFS, we excel in fast-paced environments, driven by our values of integrity, execution, impact, and self-critique. As we grow, we’re eager to bring on mission-driven folks who offer diverse perspectives and fresh ways to tackle challenges.

We value diversity deeply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law.