Experimental Plasma Physicist

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

Riverside Research's Applied Mathematics and Physics Solutions (AMPS) group is seeking a highly motivated Experimental Plasma Physicist with a strong background in laser-based plasma diagnostics to join our research team. The successful candidate will lead and support experimental campaigns aimed at characterizing plasma behavior in high-energy-density, magnetic confinement, or low-temperature plasma environments, depending on project needs.

 

This role involves the development, implementation, and interpretation of advanced optical diagnostics such as laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Thomson scattering, interferometry, optical emission spectroscopy (OES), and absorption spectroscopy to probe fundamental plasma parameters.

 

Our current research interest includes plasma material interactions, electromagnetic properties of materials subjected to high temperatures, rf and microwave plasma source development, and electric propulsion for small satellites. This position will include work on independent research and development (IRAD) and U.S. government contracts.

This is a full-time position in the Dayton, OH area.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct plasma physics experiments using advanced laser diagnostics.
• Develop and deploy diagnostics such as LIF, Rayleigh/Thomson scattering, quantum beat spectroscopy, and interferometry for plasma measurements (e.g., density, temperature, flow velocity, electric/magnetic fields).
• Operate and maintain high-power pulsed solid state and dye lasers and optical systems, including beam alignment, calibration, and data acquisition systems.
• Plan, design, and conduct experimental testing and validation of theoretical models and numerical simulations.
• Carry out both independent and collaborative research.
• Author and coauthor technical proposals, peer-reviewed journal articles, and internal and external technical reports.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

 

• Ph.D. in Plasma Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in experimental plasma diagnostics using laser systems.
• Hands-on experience with LIF, Thomson scattering, or interferometry in laboratory plasma environments.
• Familiarity with helicon plasma sources
• Proficiency with optical alignment, data acquisition, and signal processing techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with plasma-material interaction studies or hypersonic plasma flows.
• Experience in vacuum systems and gas handling
• Experience with microwave or RF equipment
• Programming skills for data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Experience working in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary research environment.

Global Comp

$91,000 - $160,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Salary : $91,000 - $160,000