Dr. Robert A. Ellis Jr. Fellowship Program - Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

Dr. Robert A. Ellis, Jr. was born in 1927. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1948 from Fisk University - a highly ranked historically black university, and received his master’s degree in physics from Yale University in 1949. After receiving his master’s degree, Dr. Ellis taught at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial (A&I), later known as Tennessee State University – a historically black land-grant public university. He then went to earn his doctorate at the University of Iowa. In 1956, Dr. Ellis joined Project Matterhorn - a small group headed by Lyman Spitzer Jr. at Princeton University working on controlled fusion. Project Matterhorn would later become the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). Dr. Ellis became a key member of the team studying the magnetic confinement and heating of plasma in stellarators and in 1988 he was appointed head of experimental projects at PPPL. 

During his later years, he devoted much of his time to furthering international collaboration in science. He served as foreign secretary of the Advisory Committee on the USSR and Eastern Europe of the National Academy of Science, a member of the Science Advisory Committee for the NASA Research Laboratories, and head of the physics section of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. In 1984, he became the U.S. representative to the Commission on Plasma Physics of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics.

Dr. Ellis was a pioneer in modern experimental plasma physics until his death on December 15, 1989. To his colleagues he is best known for his ability to come up with relevant information on almost any topic, and above all, his flashing wit. He also had a deep and gentle understanding of people-their hopes and ambitions, their motivations and frustrations.

From NSBP honors (February 2020) and Physics Today (March 1991)

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) sponsors the Dr. Robert A. Ellis Jr. Fellowship Program. To advance the values of scientific excellence and leadership, this prestigious fellowship is awarded to doctoral thesis students and post-doctoral researchers who are enthusiastic, passionate and have a deep interest and a strong desire to pursue a career in plasma and/or fusion science, computation, engineering or a related field. The program provides funding for a nominal two-year appointment with the possibility of extension to a third year (contingent upon favorable annual performance). 

Student fellows from institutions interested in collaborating with PPPL / Princeton University can receive financial support pending identification of a PPPL/Princeton thesis co-advisor or mentor working collaboratively on a thesis topic of mutual interest to the student’s home institution, PPPL/Princeton, and the co-advisors. Postdoctoral fellows will be PPPL staff members exclusively. PPPL will provide the fellow with mentorship, training, professional development, and outreach opportunities to both build a sense of community with PPPL and Princeton University colleagues, and to launch a successful scientific career.

The program also recognizes and supports researchers who can contribute to advancing the Laboratory’s diversity and inclusion efforts. The overarching intention of the program is to provide several pathways to a successful career in plasma and/or fusion research. Fellowship awards are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts. Applicants are also encouraged to include in their cover letter a succinct research plan of up to two pages of content plus references.

Education and Experience

• Graduate student earning, or post-doctoral researcher who has earned a Ph.D. in plasma physics or fusion science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence for science, engineering, or a related field.
• To ensure consideration for the fellowship, applications should be submitted no later than January 13, 2025.

How to Apply: 

Applicants to this Fellowship must submit an online application (search for Robert Ellis Fellowship) and attach the following items to the application as a single PDF document:

1. A well-organized letter of intent outlining research interests, not to exceed five pages.  
2. The name or names of potential PPPL advisors (for students) or supervisors (for postdocs) who have expressed interest in supporting the applicant’s research goals (if available).
3. A curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications (if applicable) and other accomplishments relevant to the fellowship goals.
4. Two letters of recommendation for students, three letters of recommendation for postdocs.

The application is complete when all of the above items have been received.  Applicants from historically underrepresented groups, including for example, women, underrepresented minorities (African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino/American Indian/Alaskan Native), people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are especially encouraged to apply.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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.