Burning Plasma Physicist

About the role

Proxima Fusion is seeking a Burning Plasma Physicist to lead the physics architecture of Europe’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. You will own system‑level decisions that shape how cutting‑edge plasma science is integrated into a real, scalable energy product.

Key responsibilities

• Define and optimise the burning‑plasma physics framework for steady‑state fusion reactors.
• Develop and apply kinetic and hybrid simulation tools to evaluate plasma and reactor performance.
• Translate simulation outcomes into concrete stellarator design choices with reactor‑scale impact.
• Collaborate with theorists, computational physicists, and engineering teams across magnets, cryogenics, controls, and manufacturing.
• Address complex trade‑offs between plasma stability, fast‑ion confinement, and component loads.

Required profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in plasma physics, fusion science, or a closely related field.
• Proven track record of independent research on burning plasma or related high‑temperature plasma phenomena.
• Ability to work in a fast‑moving, interdisciplinary environment and take ownership of critical technical decisions.

Required skills

• Kinetic and hybrid plasma simulation expertise.
• Machine‑learning methods applied to physics problems.
• Knowledge of high‑temperature superconducting magnet systems.
• Strong background in stellarator design and plasma‑wall interaction.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the first commercial fusion power plant in Europe.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art computational resources and experimental facilities.
• Collaborative, high‑impact research environment with leading experts.