Available post-doctoral positions

Domain of Theory and Simulations

The research constitutes the core of a recently funded project focused on the simulation of plasma turbulence in the tokamak boundary, and involves the study of basic plasma physics phenomena at play in this region, the use and refinement of state-of-the-art simulation codes, and comparison with experimental data. 

We seek candidates with a background in theoretical plasma physics, preferably with experience in plasma simulations, that have recently obtained a Ph.D. or are near graduation. 

For more information, please contact Prof. P. Ricci.

 

 


Postdoctoral Researcher in edge turbulence imaging on TCV

The Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) at EPFL features a recent suite of “gas puff” turbulence imaging systems, providing unique capabilities to study plasma turbulence in the plasma outboard midplane and divertor region. We are seeking a researcher at the postdoctoral level to lead scientific exploitation of this system and to help maintain and potentially further develop it. Possible avenues for the candidate’s research include but are not limited to investigations of the dynamics in novel improved confinement regimes such as the QCE (quasi-continuous exhaust regime) or negative triangularity, the study and development of predictive models for first-wall plasma interaction, or the exploration of the turbulence behaviour in alternative divertor geometries. Possible hardware enhancements include the development of a multi-wavelength system or the installation of converging-diverging gas nozzles for better signal level and localisation. The selected candidate will be a member of the TCV boundary group. He or she will engage in student supervision and will have the opportunity to collaborate with the entire Swiss Plasma Center team and the numerous international collaborators within EUROfusion and beyond.

Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in physics or a related field, with a background in experimental plasma physics preferred. They have a strong record of scientific research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, the ability to perform independent research, and excellent communication skills. 

For more information, please contact Prof. C. Theiler

 

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Superconductivity Group 

In the Superconductivity Group of the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) we design, manufacture, and test superconducting cables and magnets for fusion applications. We host, manage, and operate SULTAN, the reference test facility for high-field, high-current superconducting cables and insert coils. In the last 20 years, all major superconducting fusion facilities worldwide have qualified their conductors in SULTAN, including ITER, JT60-SA (Japan), SPARC (USA), BEST and CFETR (China), DTT (Italy), and the EUROfusion DEMO.

To strengthen our team, we are searching for a

Post-doctoral Researcher – Mechanical Engineer – Superconducting Magnets

The Superconductivity Group of the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) is one of Europe’s leading laboratories for superconducting magnet design and development. We design, manufacture, and test superconducting cables and magnets for fusion applications. Our team hosts, manages, and operates SULTAN, the reference test facility for high-field, high-current superconducting cables and insert coils. Additionally, we are developing the EDIPO 2 test facility, which will enhance key features of SULTAN — primarily by increasing the background magnetic field to 15 T and enlarging the size of the aperture.

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer (preferably with a Ph.D. degree) to strengthen our team. 

Your tasks:

  • Contribute to the development of the EDIPO2 test facility,
  • Mechanical design of the EDIPO2 magnet and its integration into the existing test facility,
  • Coordinate R&D and construction efforts with industrial partners,
  • Mechanical design of magnets for tokamaks and stellarators within the EUROfusion program,
  • Support of Ph.D. students.

 

Your profile:

  • Mechanical Engineer (preferably with a Ph.D. degree),
  • At least 3 years of experience in the design of superconducting magnets and its associated technologies,
  • At least 3 years of experience in Finite Element Modeling.
  • Experience in CAD design is an asset.
  • You can work independently as well as in a team,
  • You feel responsible for thoroughly documenting your work, including the preparation of manuscripts for publication and technical specifications for the industry,
  • A proficient level of English (at least C1, written and spoken) is mandatory,
  • Basic knowledge of German or willingness to learn German.

 

We offer:

  • A dynamic work environment within a team of approximately 20 people,
  • Access to a broad network of international collaborations,
  • Employment according to the rules of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology,
  • An initial four-year fixed-term contract.

The working place is at the premises of the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, which is located in the north of Switzerland, approximately halfway between the cities of Zurich and Basel.

Contact:

Potential candidates are invited to submit their CV to:

Xabier Sarasola, EPFL-SPC, WMHA C29, CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland

Tel.: +41 56 310 4199, e-mail: [email protected]

Post-doctoral researcher for diagnostic development and studies of turbulence and transport in the JT-60SA tokamak in Japan

The new superconducting tokamak JT-60SA, at the QST Institute in Naka, Japan, which started operations in late 2023, is the largest tokamak ever operated and an important stepping-stone to ITER and future nuclear-fusion power plants. It is co-owned and co-operated by the European fusion community. A tangential phase-contrast imaging (TPCI) diagnostic is planned for measurements of plasma fluctuations in JT-60SA, based on a collaboration between EUROfusion and Fusion for Energy on one hand and the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) in Japan on the other. EPFL-SPC and NIFS are co-developing the system which is at an advanced design stage, with procurements already begun. The diagnostic is based on the transmission of a CO2 laser beam by the plasma and primarily involves optical techniques and semiconductor detector technology.

EPFL-SPC seeks a post-doctoral researcher to begin working full-time on this project at the earliest possible date. An additional post-doctoral researcher and/or graduate student is also expected to be supplied by NIFS and/or QST to constitute the full-time TPCI team under supervision from two senior scientists at EPFL-SPC and NIFS. The EPFL-SPC position will require travel to and extended stays in Japan, possibly up to 6 months out of the year. Your initial tasks will be to oversee the completion of the design, coordinate and oversee procurements, perform component testing at EPFL, oversee and perform installation and commissioning of components on-site at QST, with a target delivery date of March 2026. Exploitation of the diagnostic in the next operating phase, starting in the first half of 2026, will follow, with participation in physics experiments, data analysis, comparison with theoretical predictions for turbulence, and publication.

Your profile would typically include a Ph.D. in physics or engineering; skills and experience in optical systems, statistical analysis of experimental data, and high-level software programming would be highly beneficial. We would expect you to work well independently as well as in a team environment.

The EPFL offers highly attractive employment conditions. For further details, please contact Dr. MER Stefano Coda.