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Computational Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Senior Physicist

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Responsibilities The physicist will perform scientific analysis and computational modeling to evaluate intrinsic, normal, hostile, and fratricide radiation environments and their effect on the SWS ...

Mondelez International

How you will contribute You will bring computational physics modelling & simulation capabilities to Mondelez R&D's highest priority areas, developing solutions to move R&D work away from large ...

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Computational Physicist information

What Does a Computational Physicist Do?

A computational physicist applies numerical analysis to solve problems or support theories in physics. In this career, you use knowledge from numerous disciplines, including physics, statistics, mathematics, and computer science, to test a theory. You use algorithms and other methodological tools to crunch large datasets using powerful computers, which helps in solving differential equations and other statistical problems. This can include Monte Carlo calculations and eigenvalue problems. Some people consider computational physics a branch of theoretical physics or its own discipline with specific duties and responsibilities.

What is the difference between Computational Physicist vs Data Scientist?

AspectComputational PhysicistData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, often PhD, strong math and programming skillsStatistics, computer science, or related degree, often with a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, government agencies, scientific institutionsTech companies, finance, healthcare, consulting firms
Industry UsageScientific research, simulations, modeling physical systemsData analysis, predictive modeling, business insights

While both roles require strong programming and analytical skills, Computational Physicists focus on physical systems and scientific research, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to inform business decisions. The choice depends on your interest in scientific research versus data-driven applications.

What are some typical challenges computational physicists face when working on collaborative research projects?

Computational physicists often collaborate with experimentalists, engineers, and other researchers, which can present challenges such as bridging communication gaps between disciplines and integrating diverse data formats or methodologies. Coordinating project timelines to ensure that simulations align with experimental milestones is also common. Additionally, managing large datasets and ensuring reproducibility of results across different computing environments can require careful planning and documentation. Effective teamwork and adaptability are essential to overcome these hurdles and drive successful research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computational Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computational Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by at least a master's or Ph.D. in physics or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB, as well as experience with simulation software and high-performance computing systems, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help you tackle complex scientific challenges and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. These skills are crucial for developing accurate models, efficiently solving intricate problems, and advancing scientific research through computational methods.

What is a computational physicist?

A computational physicist is a scientist who uses computer simulations, numerical analysis, and algorithms to solve complex physical problems that are difficult or impossible to address analytically. They work in fields like condensed matter physics, astrophysics, and materials science, modeling phenomena such as atomic interactions or galaxy formation. Their work often involves writing code, analyzing large datasets, and collaborating with experimental and theoretical physicists. Computational physicists play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge by providing insights where traditional methods fall short.
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Computational Physicist jobs near you
Computational Plasma Physicist - Transport Modeling

Computational Plasma Physicist - Transport Modeling

Thea Energy

Kearny, NJ

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Thea Energy:  
 
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.  
 
Position Overview:

As a transport modeling physicist at Thea Energy, you will be an architect of our plasma performance projections. You will apply advanced kinetic and fluid models to characterize heat, particle, and momentum transport in highly-optimized stellarator geometries. Your objective is to transform fundamental physics into actionable constraints, guiding our equilibrium+coil optimization and operational scenarios to ensure the success of our next generation fusion devices.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform/analyze integrated modeling simulations to predict performance and develop scenarios for Thea Energy’s Eos and Helios stellarators.
  • Utilize gyrokinetic, fluid, and/or reduced transport solvers to provide projections of confinement, heat, particle, and momentum transport.
  • Maintain and extend existing gyrokinetic and transport frameworks
  • Build reproducible simulation pipelines and data analysis tools to streamline the design-to-validation loop.
  • Use insights from turbulence and transport analysis to guide equilibrium and coil optimization.
  • Collaborate with the physics and engineering team to develop scenarios and interpret results from current hardware.
Required Experience & Skillsets:

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Plasma Physics, Computational Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. (Candidates with a Master’s degree and 3+ years of direct experience in transport/turbulence modeling will be considered).
  • Strong understanding of gyrokinetic theory and transport processes
  • Expertise in developing scientific simulation codes using Python, C++, or Fortran.
  • Proven experience working in Linux-based HPC environments with a focus on code scalability and performance.

Preferred Skills:

  • Direct experience running core (e.g. GENE, stella, CGYRO, GX) and/or edge (GENE-X, XGC, Gkeyll) gyrokinetic codes.
  • Experience with stellarator-specific equilibrium and stability codes such as VMEC, STELLOPT, DESC, and/or TERPSICHORE.
  • Familiarity with advanced numerical methods, GPU programming, and/or developing surrogate/reduced models.
  • A track record of peer-reviewed publications and the ability to present complex physics to multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Personal Attributes:

  • Ability to manage complex projects from theory to implementation with minimal supervision.
  • A passion for fusion energy and a desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.
  • Rigorous approach to code verification and physics validation.
Company Benefits:
  • Salary range $100,000 - $140,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
  • Employee equity stock options
  • 20 days PTO
It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.  
  
Diversity and Inclusion:  
Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.  
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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About Thea Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Clean energy semiconductors manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Princeton, NJ, US

Year founded

2022

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