Summary
The Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is seeking a Research Scientist 2 to join its newly established Data Science division. This role involves conducting fundamental and applied research in disruptions, MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD) stability and control, and Machine Learning (ML) applications to fusion science and technology. The successful candidate will lead research topics, manage sponsored collaborations, and help develop disruption prevention strategies for the SPARC and ARC tokamaks.
Research Scientist Opportunity at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) USA
Key Job Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Research Scientist 2 |
| Job Number | 25676 |
| Department | Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Exempt |
| Pay Range | $74,000 – $111,000 (Base pay) |
| Location | 100% On-Campus (Cambridge, MA 02139) |
| Visa Sponsorship | Available |
Research Area
- Disruptions, MagnetoHydroDynamics (MHD) stability and control.
- Machine Learning (ML) and data science applications to fusion science and technology.
- Development of ML-driven use cases for DOE-sponsored programs (Tokamak Research or FIRE collaboratives).
- Disruption Prevention, Avoidance, and Mitigation strategies for SPARC and ARC.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Required:
- Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Plasma Science, or a related field.
- Experience: * Minimum of 4 years of post-PhD experience conducting original scientific research and publishing in scientific journals.
- Experience with plasma physics, MHD stability, or fusion energy research.
- Experience with experimental planning, experimental data analysis, and model development/deployment in control systems.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with Machine Learning and data science applications; proficiency in scientific programming (Python preferred) and common open-source software development practices.
- Soft Skills: Strong communication, collaboration, and multi-institutional teamwork skills; commitment to mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral associates.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with large-scale data management and FAIR data principles.
Job Description
- Research Leadership: Lead or co-lead research topics within the PSFC Disruptions Group and liaise between the Magnetic Fusion Experiments (MFE) and Theory & Computing divisions.
- Project Management: Manage several sponsored collaborations across both publicly and privately funded programs.
- Academic Contribution: Supervise graduate students and postdoctoral associates, publish original research in scientific journals, and present findings at scientific conferences.
- Independent Research: Enjoy the freedom to pursue individual research interests within plasma physics and fusion.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply directly by visiting the official MIT Careers portal page for this position: MIT Job Application Page and clicking on the “Apply Now” button.
Last Date to Apply
The specific application deadline is not explicitly detailed, but the job opening was posted/updated on April 29, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while the portal remains active.
