Undergraduate Research Assistant

Overview

Undergraduate student internship in plasma material interactions.

PPPL is seeking a undergraduate student intern to work on a project related to preparing an impurity powder dropper for a new tokamak fusion plasma device called SMART in Seville, Spain.The main purpose of the powder dropper is to deliver boron powder to plasmas in the device so that the stainless steel vacuum vessel walls can be coated with boron to help eliminate other, higher atomic number impurities (mainly iron) in the plasma during operation – which tend to radiate power and cool the plasmas. Boron is a promising coating material to cover the plasma-facing components to prevent the wall from erosion and suppress the impurities contaminating fusion plasmas. A second goal of this project is to reveal hydrogen isotope absorption behaviors on films and powders of boron and boron compounds as well as to analyze the chemical/physical properties of those films and powders using ultrahigh vacuum experimental devices at PPPL.Using the understanding of hydrogen absorption, the project will move forward to investigate hydrogen removal techniques by using He ion irradiation, sample heating, and chemical treatment. Finally, there is the possibility of helping with the design of a new material analysis probe that could be installed on SMART.

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

Responsibilities

Core Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, assembling, and testing components in a lab space, involving vacuum flanges and pumps and piezoelectronics. The components exist for several powder droppers to be built, but these must be inventoried and tested, and ultimately prepared for shipment to Spain. The student will be involved in design meetings with scientists at PPPL and remotely with those in Spain.For the second part, the student will join a team studying boron coatings on plasma-facing material surfaces in the PPPL surface-science laboratory.Additionally, opportunities exists for the student to participate in a summer Introduction to Plasma and Fusion course (half days for two weeks in June), to present their results in a student poster session at PPPL at the end of the summer in August, and potentially to attend and present results at the APS Division of Plasma Physics meeting in November in Long Beach, California (depending on funding availability).

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Current undergraduate student in good standing in physics or engineering.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Hands-on lab experience is desirable. Experience with python and with presenting research results in a group setting also desirable.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.

Standard Weekly Hours

Eligible for Overtime

Benefits Eligible

Probationary Period

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Estimated Appointment End Date

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Valid Driver's License Required