pplication for Associate Research Scholar

An associate research scholar or more senior research position is available at Princeton University in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment (ACEE). The researcher will join groups led by Prof. David Graves (ACEE and Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, PPPL) and Dr. Igor D. Kaganovich (PPPL). The researcher will focus on modeling of low temperature plasmas for various industrial applications including novel low-carbon energy technologies that convert natural gas into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes in plasmas.

Applicants will have multi-disciplinary experience in nano-material synthesis with proficiency in the fields of plasma physics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), turbulence. The knowledge in plasma physics will be applied to develop a model of a plasma reactor for the evaporation of solid catalyst material. Experience in modeling of plasma-material interaction with important aspects including plasmas that are not in the state of thermodynamical equilibrium, effects of the space-charge sheaths and magnetic field is crucial. Particularly, experience in developing integrated models of atmospheric pressure DC arcs with evaporating electrodes is beneficial. Knowledge in CFD will be applied to develop a model of the flow of a reacting mixture that contains catalytic particles and nanotubes growing on them. Experience in modeling flows with extensive heat and mass transfer and turbulence is required. The knowledge in nano-material synthesis will be applied to develop a model of nucleation and growth of catalytic particles integrated with the reactive flow model and growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Experience in modeling of nanoparticles nucleation and growth is crucial.

Experience in developing computational models as well as developing and running scientific (CFD and plasma) computational codes is required. Experience in integrated modelling towards developing a scaling strategy of mass CNT production and identification of critical factors of the CNT growth is a necessary requirement as well as a proven record of collaboration with experimentalists and impact on an experimental program. Previous experience in working in industry is welcome. Applicants must be comfortable working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

The researcher in this role will be responsible for development, verification, and validation of an integrated model of methane conversion to hydrogen gas and CNTs. The desired model of a mixture flow dynamics will include modeling of plasma composition, chemical reactions, volumetric CNT growth, gas turbulence; and particles growth. The model of CNT growth on a metal catalyst will be developed in collaboration with other researchers.

Individuals with expertise in computational fluid dynamics, modeling of plasma reactors and a PhD in relevant fields (including applied mathematics and physics, CFD, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, plasma physics) are encouraged to apply. All candidates must have strong, demonstrated research ability, excellent English written and spoken communication skills. Necessary expertise includes extensive experience in all aspects of integrated plasma modeling for nanomaterial synthesis, fluid turbulence, plasma material-interactions, and extensive experience in modeling of plasma flows in plasma reactors.


We are interested in receiving applications from members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in science and engineering.
The appointment will be for one year, with annual renewal contingent on performance and funding. Successful candidates may start as early as February 1, 2022.


Applicants must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/23561 and submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Requisition No: D-22-ENE-00009