PhD Position in Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, Netherlands

Designation/Position- PhD Position

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PhD Position in Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, Netherlands offers PhD position on Developing Controllers for A Physics-Based Model Of The L-H Transition In A Tokamak forhighly talented candidates, who are willing to work with international and interdisciplinary team.

About- DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research) is one of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) institutes and focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to energy research, combining physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science. The institute is based on two main strands, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and fusion-energy as clean and unlimited source of energy. DIFFER is developing and supporting a national network on fundamental energy research and is closely collaborating with academic institutions, research institutes and industry. As of 2015 the institute is located in a new building at the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).

The PhD project involves physics of magnetically confined plasma for fusion energy, and control theory. In a magnetic confinement fusion reactor it may prove desirable to operate at the minimum power that allows for so-called H-mode energy confinement. At lower power a bifurcation occurs: sudden fall-back to poorer L-mode energy confinement and hence a drop in fusion power. A number of physics processes have been identified that could play a role in these transitions. The PhD student will identify which processes are important and which measurements and actuators can be used to control them, thus addressing the research question:

How can one control fusion plasma exhaust across the edge transport barrier in the vicinity of the L-H bifurcation?

The project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. H.J. (Hugo) de Blank (DIFFER and Eindhoven University of Technology) and Prof.dr. H.J. (Hans) Zwart (Eindhoven University of Technology and University of Twente )

Research/Job area– Interdisciplinary

Project Title- Developing Controllers for A Physics-Based Model Of The L-H Transition In A Tokamak

Location- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, Netherlands

Eligibility/Qualification- Research group seek enthusiastic and highly talented candidates that are willing to work in an international and interdisciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists and control scientists. The applicant should have a Master degree (or an equivalent diploma giving access to doctoral studies) in theoretical- or technical physics, or a related field. Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) are mandatory. Knowledge of control and mathematical theory of non-linear models is strongly preferred.

Job/Position Description- This position is part of the strategic programme “Taming the Flame”, which aims to enhance our understanding of the physics of power exhaust of tokamak fusion reactors, and to develop advanced control strategies for high-performance, low wall load operation

When fulfilling a PhD position at NWO, you will get the status of junior scientist. You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. You will get a contract for four years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,834 euro gross per month. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent. You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with NWO. A training program is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. 

Responsibilities and tasks-

  • To develop quantitative insight in the processes governing transitions between L-mode and H-mode confinement in tokamaks.
  • To simulate a model-based controller for the heat flow through the separatrix of a tokamak that allows operation in close proximity to the H-L confinement bifurcation (i.e. avoiding the H-L back-transition).
  • To extend the controller to the L-H transition in the tokamak ramp-up phase, and the H-L transition in the ramp-down phase.

The PhD project will be carried out at DIFFER and at the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands, and involves frequent contacts with our (inter)national collaborators.

How to Apply- In case you are interested you can apply by submitting an application letter, a grade list, (incl. full resume). Please refer to vacancy 17-004. The letter of application may be sent electronically to vacancies@differ.nl

Further information on the vacancy is available through the leader of the fusion energy department, Prof. Dr. M. R. de Baar (+31 (0)40 3334 952), e-mail: m.r.debaar@differ.nl. General information on working at FOM can also be found at the NWO website. The ‘NWO job interview code’ applies to this position.

Last Date for Apply– Till position filled

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