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Undergraduate Research Intern in HED and IFE

Trustees of Princeton University

Princeton, NJTemporary / Full-time$23/hrSeen 1 day agoSeen in employer's feed 1 day ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$23/hr
Location
Princeton, NJ
Role Type
Internship
Schedule
Temporary / Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Job overview

The undergraduate research intern will support research developing a laser-driven alpha-particle source for studying charged-particle transport and energy deposition in high-energy-density plasmas. The intern will model particle transport and energy selection using Monte Carlo simulations, assess factors affecting selector performance, and contribute to selector design and optimization. The role also offers an opportunity to participate in a hands-on experiment at a petawatt laser facility.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Monte Carlo MethodsParticle TransportScientific ProgrammingPythonMATLABC++Numerical Data AnalysisScientific PlottingClassical MechanicsElectromagnetismCADIndependent WorkCollaboration

Qualifications

Undergraduate StudentUndergraduate Coursework in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science

Full job description

Compensation

$23.00 - $23.00

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Job Description

Job Type TemporaryOverviewThe undergraduate research intern in HED and IFE project supports a research effort to develop a laser-driven alpha-particle source for investigating charged-particle transport and energy deposition in high-energy-density plasmas. The intern will work with a multidisciplinary research team to model the transport and energy selection of laser-driven alpha particles. Using Monte Carlo particle-transport simulations, the intern will investigate how particle energy, energy spread, divergence, source size, and selector geometry affect energy resolution and transmission efficiency. The student will contribute to the development and optimization of an advanced alpha-particle selector and help establish design requirements for future experiments. In addition, the student will have an opportunity to participate in a hands-on experiment at a world-class petawatt laser facility. This work is relevant to inertial fusion energy, plasma physics, particle-beam transport, and diagnostic development. A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 75 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!ResponsibilitiesThe key responsibilities for this position will be:1. Conduct Monte Carlo simulations of alpha particle transport through magnetic energy-selection systems2. Model the effects of particle energy, energy spread, divergence, source size, and charge state on selector performance.3. Evaluate key performance parameters, including energy resolution, transmission efficiency, particle losses, and temporal dispersion.4. Participate in a relevant experiment on alpha particle generation and selection at international laser user facility. 5. Analyze simulation results and compare them with analytical estimates and available experimental data 6. Support the development and optimization of an advanced alpha particle selector design. 7.Perform parameter scans to determine how selector geometry and field configuration affect particle trajectories and energy selection8. Participate in regular research meetings and collaborate with members of the experimental and computational teams. 9. Present research progress and results through technical presentations and a written final report. QualificationsEducation and Experience: - Must be an undergraduate studentKnowledge, Skills and Abilities (including unique software/hardware requirements):1. Undergraduate coursework in physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or computer science.2. Basic understanding of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. 3, Experience with scientific programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a similarlanguage.4. Ability to analyze numerical data and create clear scientific plots5. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. 6. Prior experience with Monte Carlo methods, particle-transport software, or CAD tools is helpful but not required Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly. If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above. The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.Standard Weekly Hours40.00Eligible for OvertimeYesBenefits EligibleNoProbationary PeriodN/AEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Drivers License RequiredNoSalary Range$23 to $23 Apply HereEqual employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilitiesPI288027770

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

288027770

How this job compares

Set against the 498 open Research Intern jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 30, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$23/hr
  • US median$25–44/hr225 hourly ranges

This rate, $23/hr, is 33% below the US median midpoint ($34/hr) — in the lowest quarter of Research Intern hourly ranges across the US.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 498 open Research Intern jobs across the US. 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most across the US
Education
235 of the 498 open Research Intern jobs (47%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 30, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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