Postdoctoral Researcher in the Area of Edge-Plasma Physics in Magnetic Fusion Energy Devices

Aalto University

Espoo, Finland

The group focuses on experimental and computational plasma physics in magnetically confined fusion experiments. The primary objective of the posted position is improved understanding of the physics of the tokamak edge plasma for controlling power exhaust and plasma-wall interaction in ITER and future burning plasma.

Job description

The successful candidate will be utilising existing, state-of-the-art edge codes, like EDGE2D-EIRENE and SOLPS-ITER to interpret measurements taken in present tokamak devices, such as JET, ASDEX Upgrade and DIII-D. Development and implementation of new physics models in these computational tools will be carried out in close collaboration with the theory and modelling teams at these devices. The main objective of the project is to elucidate the physics in radiative power exhaust scenarios and extrapolate the results toward the next-step devices JT60-SA and ITER. The successful candidate will be participating in on-going and planned experiments by interpreting experimental results using the aforementioned edge codes. She or he is expected to train other members of the research team and to instruct students at Bachelor’s through and PhD level. Documentation and publication of the research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings are anticipated. The successful candidate is encouraged to pursue independent, but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists both internally and externally.

Requirements

As a successful candidate for this position, you should have:

• PhD degree in plasma physics or closely related field of science;
• Experience in computational physics, in particular in high-performance computing;
• Experience in carrying out independent research and working in a team environment to achieve programmatic goals in a timely fashion;
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed literature and experience in presenting research results to a large audience;
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English are necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.

Skills, knowledge and abilities in the following areas are highly desirable:

• Knowledge of edge plasma physics in fusion devices;
• Experience in programming languages, such as Fortran and C;
• Experience with data analysis programming languages, such as Python and IDL;
• Experience with large edge plasma codes, e.g., SOLPS, EDGE2D;
• Familiarity with edge plasma diagnostic techniques, and atomic and molecular physics;
• Knowledge of tokamak operation and interpretation of experimental data;
• Experience collaborating with theorists and plasma modelers;
• The primary language of communication within the Fusion and Plasma Physics Group is English.