Experimental physicist – fusion plasma diagnostics

About Us 

At nT-Tao, we are building a compact magnetic confinement fusion power system: a modular, repeatable unit designed to deliver clean electricity on-site, on- or off-grid. Getting there means solving hard, open problems in plasma physics, and that is the work our physicist's lead. 

Founded in 2019, nT-Tao raised $34 million to date from Honda, East X Ventures, Delek US, NextGear Ventures, and others. The Israel Innovation Authority has awarded us repeated grants, most recently to build our next compact fusion demonstrator.  

Physics is not a support function here. Our physicists set the direction of the company's R&D: theory and simulation define the design targets; diagnostics reveal what the plasma is actually doing, and the results feed directly into the next iteration of the machine. 

You will work shoulder to shoulder with engineers in power electronics, RF and microwave, vacuum, and mechanical design, and alongside local and international academic collaborators. If you want your physics to shape a real fusion machine, we would like to hear from you.   

Job description 

nT-Tao is recruiting for a position of experimental physicist in the field of plasma diagnostics.  

The job includes designing and working on diagnostic systems to characterize the plasma properties. You’ll be responsible for learning the relevant theoretical material – plasma physics and fusion. You will define the physical requirements of the measurement system and will work closely with the company's engineers to design the mechanical / electronics/ optical apparatus.  

You will also make predictions based on the governing physics and choose/define components (designed or OTS) to meet the measurement requirements.   

You’ll be responsible for overseeing the design process, including documentation and design reviews.  

Laboratory work includes hands-on building/assembly with engineers and technicians. Carrying out experiments in the laboratory and acquiring experimental data.  

Data analysis including signal processing, image processing, model fitting. Understanding of the observed signals and extracting the “physics” out of it. Being able to clearly communicate the findings – reporting and presenting. 

The experimental physics department in general and each of the scientists are expected to take an active role in understanding the experimental observations, analyzing the data, reaching conclusions, and making recommendations to direct the company R&D effort. 

Come help us make the world a better place. 

Requirements 

1. MSc. or PhD. in Physics (Phd advantage). 
2. Enthusiasm for the field of fusion energy and plasma physics. 
3. Team player and high interpersonal skills - ability to collaborate with versatile spectrum of colleagues: Scientists, engineers, technicians, procurement and management.  
4. Experience with designing physical diagnostics, carrying out physical experiments and analyzing measured data.  
5. Experience in data processing using e.g. Python, Matlab or similar software. 
6. Experience in scientific writing of manuscripts and reports and adequate presentation of scientific findings. 
7. Experience of working in a physics laboratory. Pulsed power/plasma/fusion/accelerators - an advantage.
8. Familiarity with EM noise treatment, Signal and data acquisition infrastructure, Vacuum systems, high pressure systems, RF and Microwave systems, high voltage systems -an advantage.  

Advantages 

1. Experience with plasma diagnostics: Magnetic gauges e.g.: Rogowski coils, Mirnov coils, Bdots, Vdots, Langmuir probes, etc., Spectroscopic diagnostics. Microwave/ interferometry. 
2. Experience in power electronics design. 
3. Experience in RF and Microwave engineering design. 
4. Experience in hands-on mechanical and/or electrical work and/or PCB design. 
5. Experience in project management/ system engineering.