Plasma Edge Transport Physicist

Job description

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. TEAM AND ROLE - Shape the architecture of the world’s first commercial fusion power plant – Own system-level decisions that determine how a first-of-a-kind energy technology is designed, integrated, and ultimately deployed at scale. - Solve some of the most complex engineering challenges in industry – Work across tightly coupled disciplines (plasma physics, magnets, cryogenics, manufacturing, controls, and more) to resolve critical trade-offs and turn cutting-edge science into a functioning product. - Build real hardware with a pragmatic, fast-moving team from all over the world – Combine advanced simulation and systems thinking with a strong execution mindset, focusing on practical engineering solutions that accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION - Work on some of the most critical physics challenges that govern the conceptual viability and optimal performance of steady state fusion reactors. - Advance the next generation of edge transport physics models (including turbulent transport characterisation, drift effects, and impurity migration) required for reactor-relevant stellarator exhaust solutions. - Apply state-of-the-art numerical models directly to hardware design decisions with reactor-scale impact. - Contribute to the European initiative leading the critical path to a fusion power plant. - Work alongside talented, mission-driven experts in a supportive, ambitious environment that is building real devices, not just reactor concepts. YOUR IMPACT You will tackle one of the defining challenges of stellarator reactors: controlling the plasma edge and exhaust in a complex 3D magnetic topology. By advancing the physics and design of the divertor, baffling, and first wall geometry, you will enable robust heat and particle exhaust - safely managing helium ash, impurities, and extreme power loads under reactor-relevant conditions. You will develop and apply state-of-the-art (and beyond) theoretical and computational models of the edge and Scrape-Off Layer, addressing non-linear multi-physics dynamics across plasma transport, equilibrium ExB flows, neutral interactions, molecular recombination, and impurity behaviour. Grounded in experimental validation and integrated with engineering constraints, your work will directly inform the design of next-generation plasma exhaust systems for commercial fusion. This is an opportunity to turn frontier edge physics into reactor-ready solutions and help close the gap between today’s modelling capability and the needs of fusion power. WHAT YOU WILL DO - As an edge transport physicist at Proxima, you will play a central role in efforts to model and design the edge and Scrape-Off Layer of real-world machines that are necessary steps on the path towards commercial fusion power. - You will develop and apply theoretical and computational models that surpass the state of the art, closing key gaps in turbulent transport, equilibrium ExB flows, molecular recombination, and impurity behaviour in the stellarator edge. - Your results and design strategy will be grounded by experimental insights, before being integrated into the design of next generation plasma exhaust systems. - Your work will involve close engagement with engineers to ensure compatibility with overall device design and reactor-relevant operating scenarios. WHO YOU ARE - Hold a postgraduate degree in plasma physics. - Strong experience in edge transport and a clear interest in translating physics understanding into a practical plasma exhaust strategy. - Bring experience using simulation and modeling to inform the geometry and operational limits of high-heat-flux systems. - Are comfortable working across disciplines, collaborating directly with engineers to frame open-ended design challenges, proposing solutions, testing ideas, and iterating quickly. - Proficient in scientific programming languages (Python, Julia, C++, and/or Fortran). - Take initiative, communicate clearly, and are motivated by building systems that will define the future of fusion energy. INTERVIEW PROCESS - Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) - Technical Screening (30 min) - Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at L3 of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.