The Company
Acceleron Fusion is developing a breakthrough new technology to produce intense muon beams and generate clean energy through muon-catalyzed fusion. Founded to commercialize research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, we have recently completed a Series A venture capital round. We have an operational muon-catalyzed fusion machine—driven by the high-intensity proton accelerator and Muon Target E at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)—and have observed neutrons from over 100 hours of fusion in our apparatus. Collaborating with researchers at PSI, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and several universities, we are at the forefront of fusion energy innovation. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, we are a rapidly growing startup of about ten employees. As a key member of our small and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our technology and shape the future of both our company and the field of fusion energy.
The Position
We are seeking a Computational Physicist to join our team and collaborate on:
- Analyzing data collected from arrays of semiconductor and scintillation detectors in accelerator experiments with muon-catalyzed fusion and muon production.
- Simulating particle interactions, energy flows, and detector responses using computational tools
- Developing our software platform to optimize the design of targets, detectors, and beamlines utilizing artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
- Enhancing the simulation capabilities of GEANT4, specifically in muonic atom and hadronic physics, including contributions to the open-source package distributed by CERN.
- Participating in experimental operations at our Cambridge site and at beamline facilities worldwide, collaborating with engineers and scientists on experiment design and execution.
Required Qualifications
- Education: PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field
- Simulation: Experience designing and running simulations using tools such as GEANT4, MCNP, FLUKA, or equivalent.
- Computer programming: Strong proficiency in computer programming and software engineering.
- Scientific computing: Experience with MATLAB, C++, and Python for scientific computing and data analysis.
- Nuclear and particle physics background: Familiarity and working knowledge of common electromagnetic and hadronic interactions involving muons, pions, protons, neutrons, and electrons at energies ranging from 1 MeV to 10 GeV (e.g., ionization energy loss, neutron scattering, pion absorption, bremsstrahlung).
- Organizational skills: Exceptional time management and organizational skills
- Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
- Experimental physics experience: Working knowledge of accelerators, beam dynamics, beamline elements, electronics, vacuum systems, cryogenics, and particle detectors.
- Background in engineering science: Familiarity with classical electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, optics, engineering thermodynamics, solid mechanics, and the principles of heat and mass transfer.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary along with health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off. The position includes a signing bonus and stock options. This is a full-time, in-person role (40 hours per week) based in Cambridge, MA.