State-of-the-art simulations of transport effects in the fusion plasma edge has become an import element in the prediction of reactor-scale operational scenarios providing compatibility to both, required heat and particle exhaust constraints and good fusion plasma core performance. Given the multi-scale multi-physics nature of the problem, solutions for a reactor relevant operational regime are hard to achieve given slow numerical convergence rates. An employment of numerical tools, that e.g., allow to predict relevant dynamics for plasma control by using an integrated approach with suitable fidelity, are not yet existing.

DIFFER is seeking to hire a PhD researcher (4 years) to work with the Integrated Modeling group at the institute within various frameworks (EUROfusion and other private partners in fusion) to conduct dynamic edge simulations for model predictive control for plasma exhaust and improve edge transport models, e.g. for detached plasma conditions in tokamaks.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Employment of state-of-the-art tools to run plasma edge simulations including exhaust dynamics, i.e. SOLPS-ITER and DIV1D in time-dependent mode
• Verification of developed dynamic models and validation on existing fusion experiments (i.e. participation in the EUROfusion WPTE analysis campaigns) and/or linear machines like MAGNUM-PSI
• Deploy the resultant dynamic models into plasma exhaust control schemes
• Employment of reactor scale simulations in support of model predictive control techniques

Required skills:

• Good understanding of fusion edge plasmas transport physics
• Experience with transport solvers (i.e. SOLPS-ITER or DIV1D)
• Experience with dynamic simulations in the plasma edge

This position is for 0,8 - 1 FTE, will be for a period of 4 years and is graded in pay scale PhD, 19. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.