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Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... spectroscopy, charge-exchange recombination spectroscopy, filtered PMT arrays, visible ... The successful candidate will join the Radiation and Energetic Particle Physics Team in the Applied ...

Scientist - Plasma Diagnostics

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... X-ray spectroscopy, ECE, microwave interferometry, fast-ion diagnostics or magnetic field ...

Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a ... X-ray spectroscopy, ECE, microwave interferometry, fast-ion diagnostics or magnetic field ...

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Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy information

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How much do postdoctoral plasma physics spectroscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral plasma physics spectroscopy in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy position?

A Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy position is a research-focused role for individuals who have recently earned their PhD, often in physics or a related field. In this position, the researcher investigates the properties and behaviors of plasma—an ionized state of matter—using spectroscopy techniques to analyze emitted light and other electromagnetic signals. The role typically involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings, often as part of a university or national laboratory team. Postdocs in this field contribute to advancements in fusion energy, astrophysics, and industrial plasma applications.

What are some common challenges faced by postdoctoral researchers in plasma physics spectroscopy, and how can they be addressed?

Postdoctoral researchers in plasma physics spectroscopy often encounter challenges such as managing complex diagnostic equipment, synthesizing large datasets, and staying current with rapidly evolving research methods. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as projects often intersect with engineering, computational modeling, and theoretical physics. Effective communication skills and a proactive approach to learning new techniques can help overcome these challenges. Seeking mentorship and participating in collaborative research networks are valuable strategies for professional growth and successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy researcher, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in plasma physics or a related field, along with deep expertise in spectroscopic diagnostics and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory plasma devices, spectroscopic instruments (such as optical emission and absorption spectrometers), and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies enable rigorous experimental design, accurate interpretation of complex data, and effective collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams.
More about Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Plasma Physics Spectroscopy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Appointee - Plasma Physics, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee - Plasma Physics, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance our research and development efforts in electromagnetic plasma physics applications. Topics of interest in our group that we are targeting with this position include radiation-driven plasma phenomena, beam interactions with dense background gases, and magnetically insulated transmission line behavior for pulsed power systems, but could include other applications of relevance to Sandia from plasma theory to directed nuclear weapons stockpile work.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Perform analyses using our group's in-house electromagnetic plasma software simulation suite, utilizing the Department of Energy's latest supercomputing facilities
  • Collaborate closely with our partner experimental organizations for validation of those capabilities.

As such, we desire a candidate who is willing to expand their expertise across a range of plasma physics regimes and team with other analysts, developers, and experimentalists in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Journal publications, conference presentations, and Sandia mission impact will be expected outcomes from this research.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite at Sandia New Mexico.
Qualifications We Require
  • PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, or related engineering discipline conferred within 5 years of start date
  • Experience in simulation of plasma physics phenomena
  • Experience in programming using scripting languages (Python, shell, etc.)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance

Qualifications We Desire
  • Background in validation of plasma physics simulations using experimental data
  • Experience with utilizing high-performance computing (HPC) resources
  • Scientific programming experience in C++
  • Demonstrated ability to work with others and contribute in a team environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to be flexible in assignments and develop expertise in different areas of plasma physics

About Our Team
The Radiation/Plasma Analyses department brings together a team with diverse backgrounds to perform research and analysis in using advanced theory, modeling, and simulation tools to address a broad range of neutron/radiation transport and plasma physics applications at Sandia. We primarily use the RAMSES code suite, developed in our group, to deliver credible analysis products to Sandia's nuclear deterrence mission and support the labs' pulsed-power experimental facilities.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Position Information
This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.
Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.