Scientist, Model Validation and Experimental Data Analysis

About the role

Proxima Fusion is seeking a scientist to bridge the gap between predictive plasma modeling and experimental reality. You will validate the company's plasma simulation stack against data from the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator to ensure the credibility of models used for the development of the Alpha and Stellaris fusion power plants. This role involves reconstructing plasma states from diagnostic measurements and identifying key areas for model improvement.

Responsibilities

• Validate predictive plasma models against W7-X experimental data and record findings in reproducible validation reports.
• Reconstruct plasma states from diagnostic measurements using a Bayesian state-estimation workflow.
• Work with raw and pre-processed diagnostic data, including instrument geometry and calibration caveats.
• Validate models against databases of discharges across various magnetic configurations and operating regimes.
• Act as a technical interface to W7-X and IPP, including on-site work in Greifswald to support experiments.
• Convert diagnostic placement and observability studies into requirements for future hardware designs.
• Extend the modeling stack, including synthetic diagnostics and analysis workflows to ensure reproducibility.

Required skills

• Plasma physics
• Fusion science
• Experimental data analysis
• Magnetic confinement
• Bayesian state estimation
• Scientific software development
• Uncertainty quantification
• Stellarator Architecture
• Plasma Modelling & Research
• Numerical Optimization

Nice to have

• W7-X operations
• Minerva
• Stellarator physics
• Machine learning
• Integrated modeling codes
• Neoclassical codes
• Gyrokinetic codes
• Julia
• Python
• IMAS

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics, fusion science, or a closely related discipline

About the Company

Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Backed by over €650M, the company is developing the hardware and infrastructure for the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant.