Scientist/Senior Scientist

Position Summary

The FEAT Centre is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist to contribute to modelling and simulation of plasma-material interactions for fusion applications. This role focuses on atomistic and multiscale simulations to understand sputtering, erosion, and surface damage, supporting experiments and informing the design of plasma-facing components through integrated simulation workflows.

Who we are looking for

The FEAT Centre is seeking a Scientist or Senior Scientist to advance modelling and simulation of plasma-material interactions (PMI) for fusion energy applications. You will apply atomistic and multiscale simulation approaches to investigate sputtering, surface erosion, and near-surface damage under reactor-relevant conditions, supporting experimental programmes and informing the design of plasma-facing components (PFCs).

This position is part of the Plasma Physics and Diagnostics Department (PPDD), which hosts expertise in edge plasma modelling and diagnostics. You will work closely with internal modelling and experimental teams, and collaborate extensively with international partners across academia, national laboratories, and industry, reflecting Singapore’s strong engagement in global fusion research.

You will contribute to the development of multiscale and multiphysics modelling capabilities that connect fundamental material processes with larger-scale plasma behaviour and experimental observations. Opportunities exist to develop computational workflows and surrogate modelling approaches that enable integration across different modelling methods.

This role is suitable for early-career researchers seeking to build expertise in fusion materials modelling while working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. You will contribute to publications, collaborative projects, and research proposals, while supporting the growth of modelling capabilities at FEAT with a strong connection to industry-relevant challenges.

What you'll be doing

• Develop and apply molecular dynamics (MD) and complementary modelling approaches (e.g., Monte Carlo, mesoscale, multiscale methods) to investigate plasma-material interactions under fusion-relevant conditions.

• Contribute to the development of multiscale and multiphysics simulation capabilities.
• Support the development of reduced-order or surrogate models to facilitate coupling between modelling approaches and integration into broader simulation frameworks.
• Analyse, manage, and curate simulation data, ensuring reproducibility, traceability, and adherence to good data management practices.

• Interpret simulation results to provide insights into sputtering, erosion, and surface damage processes relevant to plasma-facing components.

• Collaborate with internal teams and international partners on modelling studies, including validation and comparison with experimental data.

• Publish research findings, present at conferences, and contribute to collaborative research projects and proposals.

What You'll Bring

Must-Haves

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Computational Science, or a closely related field. Candidates without prior industry or postdoctoral experience are encouraged to apply.
• Strong background in computational materials modelling (e.g., molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, or related simulation approaches).
• Demonstrated knowledge of surface and radiation-driven phenomena (e.g., sputtering, erosion, ion implantation, collision cascades).
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, Julia) and experience with simulation tools relevant to materials modelling.
• Strong communication skills in written and spoken English, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.

Good-to-Haves

• Background in fusion science or plasma-facing materials.

• Experience with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and/or machine-learning interatomic potentials.

• Experience with multiscale or transport simulations relevant to plasma-material interactions.
• Experience in high-performance computing (HPC), including GPU acceleration, large-scale simulations, and workflow automation.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Scientific problem-solving and critical thinking
• Computational modelling and simulation
• Data analysis, management and interpretation
• Research communication (written and oral)
• Collaboration and teamwork in interdisciplinary environments
• Software & workflow practices, including familiarity with version control, reproducible workflows, and structured code development in scientific computing

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of fusion research in a highly collaborative, international environment.
• Access to advanced computational resources and partnerships with leading global institutions.
• A supportive setting for early-career development, alongside opportunities to contribute to impactful, industry-relevant research.