• Recent Ph.D. degree in Plasma Physics or closely related field
• Required experience – combination of hands-on lab experiments and high-level theoretical modeling of these experiments
• Required knowledge: plasma physics (MHD, 2-fluid, Vlasov theory), numerical techniques, electronics, data acquisition systems, vacuum techniques, hardware design (Solidworks), hardware assembly/troubleshooting
• General: Excellent oral and written communication skills

This position is to participate in all of the following ongoing research activities:

1. design of a spheromak-related plasma thruster
2. modeling how dust forms and can deposit on surfaces in a dusty plasma
3. operation/analysis of experiments involving MHD jets, replicas of solar corona loops, and dusty plasmas

Appointment is for one year with extension to second year if performance satisfactory.

Applicants should submit the following:

1. Paragraph giving evidence of required experience and knowledge
2. Resumé
3. Names of three references

These items should be sent to Professor Paul M. Bellan: pbellan@caltech.edu

Group information and recent publications at http://www.bellanplasmagroup.caltech.edu/

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Caltech

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges. The Institute manages JPL for NASA, sending probes to explore the planets of our solar system and quantify changes on our home planet. Caltech also owns and operates large-scale research facilities such as the Seismological Laboratory and a global network of astronomical observatories, including the Palomar and W. M. Keck Observatories; and cofounded and comanages LIGO. Caltech is an independent, privately supported institution with a 124-acre campus located in Pasadena, California.

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