• Job Type: Support Staff - Non-Union
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 8/31/2026
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 24.23 to 24.40

Position Summary

Under PI supervision, the Research  Assistant will help with the development of a new stellarator experiment in the Columbia Plasma Physics Laboratory. The assistant will be responsible for using and developing the numerical optimization software to design new equilibria and electromagnetic coils of interest. Additional analysis may be performed, including assessment of manufacturing errors, transport, stability, and electromagnetic forces with numerical modeling. If required, the assistant may aid in the hardware development for the new electromagnetic coils.

Responsibilities

• (70%) Perform numerical optimization to obtain new (signs of interest)
• (20%) Perform associated analysis
• (10%) Dissemination of results through manuscripts and scientific presentations
• Perform related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or related fields
• Knowledge of Python programming
• At least two years of experience in a research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to plasma physics/science research or coursework
• Knowledge of C++ programming

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.