OpenStar Technologies

OpenStar Technologies is on a mission to repeat the feats of Maui and capture the power of the Sun. By mastering fusion, the process that powers the stars, we can generate safe, clean, carbon-free, baseload electricity in a way that is economically scalable to the challenge of mitigating climate disaster and giving birth to the next industrial revolution. The team is currently made up of 37 talented engineers and physicists, based in Wellington, New Zealand.

At OpenStar Technologies, our culture is founded on a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. We empower every member of our team with meaningful responsibility, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive in pursuit of our collective mission.

Job Description

We are seeking Plasma Physicists to join our dynamic team of researchers as we develop our technology using levitated dipole fusion reactors to harness fusion energy. The successful candidates will play a key role in conducting cutting-edge research. There will be opportunities to contribute to both theoretical and experimental aspects of the field and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds of fusion science to apply for this position. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on interdisciplinary projects and collaborate with leading scientists and engineers in academia, industry and government agencies around the world.

Whilst we are based in New Zealand, we are open to candidates working remotely for this position, and encourage you to apply even if you are unable to relocate to New Zealand.

Responsibilities include:

1. Conduct research on fundamental plasma physics phenomena in levitated dipole plasmas, including whole device modelling, transport, edge physics, wave-particle interactions/heating, plasma-material interactions, etc.
   
2. Develop and apply theoretical models, numerical simulations and experimental techniques to investigate plasma behaviour and properties.
3. Design, develop, implement and collect data from plasma diagnostics on our levitated dipole plasma experiments.
4. Analyse data, interpret results and communicate findings through publications, presentations, and technical reports.
5. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers and researchers within OpenStar and academic institutions working towards creating a working fusion reactor.
6. Stay abreast of recent developments, trends and breakthroughs in fusion and plasma physics research through conference and workshop participation, and professional networking.
7. Contribute to the development of research proposals, grant applications and funding initiatives to support ongoing and future research projects.

Requirements:

• Postgraduate degree in Physics, Plasma Physics, Engineering, or related field and/or equivalent experience working in a plasma physics role.

Nice to have:

• Strong background in plasma physics theory, including plasma dynamics, gyrokinetic analysis, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), kinetic theory and wave propagation.
• Hands-on experience with experimental plasma devices, diagnostics and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in numerical simulation techniques, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, etc.
  
• Demonstrated track record of scientific publications, presentations and contributions to research projects.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) and data analysis tools is desirable.
• Prior experience with plasma confinement and fusion research is a plus.

OpenStar Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

If you are passionate about advancing the frontiers of fusion energy and are looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research, we invite you to join our team.