Plasma Edge Transport Physicist

Proxima Fusion

Munich, Germany

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.

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.