Opportunities
Job opportunities are available at every level, from first year undergraduate to experienced researcher.
Please expand the links below based on your intended role. Positions are filled throughout the year in some cases, while others are available only at certain times of year.
Job Opportunities
The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics (APAM) at Columbia University in the City of New York invites applications for a 2-year, non-tenure-track assistant professor faculty position in Applied Physics. APAM is a highly multidisciplinary department investigating fundamental math, physics, and materials science problems underlying critical applications in science and engineering, ranging from Plasma/Fusion physics to Climate dynamics.
For this search, the Department is primarily interested in Candidates who can advance the goals of the recently announced Columbia-Max Planck Transatlantic Center, Optimizing Symmetry in Fusion Plasmas. The scope of the center includes research in the areas of power exhaust, edge stability, energetic particles, the simulation of transients, hybrid tokamak-stellarators, and superconducting magnets. Scope outside of these areas can be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Click Here to Apply!
Applications should be submitted electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/196462 and include the following: curriculum vitae (including a list of publications), a research statement (description of research accomplishments and planned research), a statement of teaching interests and plans, three letters of recommendation from experts in the candidate's field, and up to three pre/reprints of scholarly work. All applications received by December 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Inquiries should be directed to [email protected].
For candidates who have completed a doctoral degree, scientist positions are available via an interfolio posting that can be accessed at the link below. Positions are filled on an ongoing basis as needs arise.
https://apply.interfolio.com/194066
Post-doctoral positions are regularly available. Contacting a specific PI is a standard way to express interest in working in the group. PI contact information can be found here: https://fusion.columbia.edu/people
We have recently opened some general google-based application forms. The general form can be found at the link below:
Post-doc Application Google Form
Prof Elizabeth Paul also has a specific application form.
Graduate student positions are handled via the Columbia SEAS application process. The program in plasma physics is a specialization of the Ph.D. in Applied Physics, within the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics. Interested students should apply in the fall. Admissions take place once per year, with decisions being made in the spring for the incoming fall class. Make sure you indicate plasma physics in your application materials. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to professors and/or current graduate students.
A new cohort of undergraduate students join the fusion research center every semester.
We have also implemented a generic hiring portal for all interested undergraduates. Please apply via the following google form: https://forms.gle/viSUdEneLy66vFaZ6. This form is intended for Columbia students.
Separately, students are able to email PIs directly. PI contact information can be found here: https://fusion.columbia.edu/people . They may refer you to the above application portal.
NEW: We are launching an NSF-funded REU Site! This provides additional opportunities for students - targeting students from beyond Columbia.
