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Laser Plasma Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Battelle

Gas Turbine Research Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$81K - $116K/yr

We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products ... laser diagnostic techniques in both single- and two-stage burner configurations * Validate plasma ...

Focused

$140 - $210/hr

... in laser-plasma interaction (LPI) modeling, beam smoothing, and laser-target coupling to our ... Be part of a cutting‑edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and ...

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the research and development of plasma ... laser-based diagnostics, and electrostatic probes. * Experience with surface analysis techniques ...

Thea Energy

Plasma-Materials Scientist

Kearny, NJ

$100K - $160K/yr

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the research and development of plasma ... laser-based diagnostics, and electrostatic probes. * Experience with surface analysis techniques ...

University of Rochester

$52K - $73K/yr

... research spanning laser-plasma science, engineering, and computation. The role will also contribute to the development of new initiatives, partnerships, and program activities that support the ...

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do laser plasma researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for laser plasma researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laser plasma researcher?

Laser Plasma Researchers are scientists who study the interactions between lasers and plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of ionized gas. They investigate how high-intensity laser beams can create and manipulate plasma, leading to advancements in fields such as nuclear fusion, particle acceleration, and materials science. Their work often involves conducting experiments in laboratories, analyzing data, and developing new technologies based on laser-plasma interactions. These researchers contribute to scientific innovation in energy, medicine, and industrial applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laser plasma researcher?

To thrive as a Laser Plasma Researcher, a solid background in physics or engineering, often at the Ph.D. level, and deep knowledge of plasma physics and laser-matter interaction are essential. Expertise in using high-powered laser systems, diagnostic equipment, and simulation software like MATLAB or COMSOL, along with relevant safety certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help researchers excel in collaborative and innovative environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for advancing experimental research, ensuring safety, and effectively sharing findings in this complex scientific field.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by laser plasma researchers in experimental settings?

Laser Plasma Researchers often encounter challenges related to maintaining precise control over experimental conditions, such as laser alignment, target uniformity, and diagnostic calibration. Working with high-powered lasers and sensitive instrumentation requires meticulous attention to safety protocols and equipment maintenance. Additionally, interpreting complex data and troubleshooting unexpected results are frequent aspects of the role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
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Laser Plasma Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laser Plasma Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Senior Scientist, LPI Modeling & Beam Smoothing

Fusion Energy Base

Austin, TX • On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Focused Energy is building the future of clean energy through laser-driven inertial fusion. Backed by our $240M Series A — the largest fully secured Series A in the global fusion industry — we are scaling rapidly across multiple geographies.Based in Germany and the US, we have brought together the top scientific and engineering minds using proven technologies to unlock fusion power at commercial scale. Focused Energy is working to realize game-changing scientific innovation that promises to deliver a clean, sustainable and abundant source of power globally.

Your Role

Focused Energy is looking for a Senior Scientist to bring deep theoretical and simulation expertise in laser-plasma interaction (LPI) modeling, beam smoothing, and laser-target coupling to our Science team. This is a role that spans both the laser system and target physics sides of the house, translating laser system capabilities into target physics requirements, and target physics needs into laser beam requirements, an end-to-end view that is critical to refining our roadmap forward.

You will act as a scientific anchor for the beam smoothing project and a trusted theoretical resource across several teams: supporting implementation work, providing simulation and theory support for LPI research, and contributing to the design and interpretation of experiments. Your work will directly shape beam requirements (picket, drive, beam port design) and the physics roadmap that underpins our path to fusion energy at commercial scale.

What You'll Do
  • Provide theoretical and simulation support on the beam smoothing project.
  • Coordinate laser beam requirements, including picket and drive beam design and beam port design.
  • Support the roadmap, partnering with the diagnostics team and leading physics efforts.
  • Provide theoretical support for implementation in the DUED code.
  • Provide theoretical support for LPI science across LPI experiments and simulations.
  • Partner closely with the beam smoothing team, the laser and science teams working on beam requirements, the target design team, and the target physics team on LPI risk mitigation and imprint/hydrodynamic instabilities.
Who You AreMust-haves
  • PhD in plasma physics or an equivalent field.
  • 10+ years of post-doc or staff scientist experience.
  • Strong theoretical and simulation knowledge of beam smoothing techniques.
  • Strong theoretical knowledge of LPI (CBET, SBS, SRS, and/or TPD) and experience with PIC/fluid simulations.
  • Knowledge of High-Performance Computing (HPC).
  • Excellent programming skills for HPC (OpenMP/MPI) in C++ and/or Python or an equivalent language.
  • Strong mathematical background, including linear algebra, dynamical systems, partial differential equations, stochastic differential equations, and numerical modeling.
  • Strong background in laser fusion science.
  • Excellent communication skills and a strong collaborator across technical teams.
  • High capability in prioritization, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Nice-to-haves
  • Experience designing or interpreting LPI or rad-hydro experiments.
  • Knowledge of imprint requirements.
  • Knowledge of rad-hydro physics and simulations.
  • Knowledge of laser science and optics.
  • Experience leading a team.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

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