Research Technician high-flux plasma generator (Magnum-PSI)

Your tasks
The Research Technician performs, as part of a team, supporting technical work for the preparation and execution of physics experiments:

• After thorough instruction in the operation and safety aspects of the Magnum-PSI experimental facility, you will be able to operate the machine independently and use this knowledge to prepare and carry out physical experiments in consultation with (guest) researchers;
• You are partly responsible for the quality of the measurement data from (optical) measuring systems, ensure that the systems are set correctly, and instruct students, PhDs and guests in the use of these systems;
• You initiate, implement and test improvements and (small) modifications to Magnum-PSI;
• You carry out maintenance, repair and assembly work on Magnum-PSI;
• Depending on your interests and expertise you will have the opportunity to make technical contributions to the other DIFFER research facilities as well.

This position is for 2 FTE (2 fulltime employees) and will be for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension and is graded in pay scale 8. 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/)

We offer:

• A contract with a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension;
• Depending on relevant work experience, a salary of up to a maximum of € 4415,= gross per month (maximum salary scale 8). This salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance and an end-of-the year bonus;
• Excellent secondary benefits, including a pension plan, group discounts on individual insurances and compensation of travel expenses. We also offer compensation of relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation.

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.

Plasma Surface Interaction (PSI)
Nuclear fusion has the potential to produce practically unlimited, safe and large-scale electricity. However, constructing a fusion reactor is scientifically and technologically complex. A major challenge is formed by the heat and particle load of the plasma generated inside the fusion reactor to the reactor wall. This so-called “plasma-surface-interaction (PSI)” has a large impact on the behavior, performance and life time of a fusion reactor. To contribute to the research on this essential topic for the realization of a fusion reactor as a future energy source, DIFFER has built a dedicated facility: the linear high flux plasma generator Magnum-PSI. In Magnum-PSI, materials are exposed to an intense plasma beam, confined by a superconducting magnet. This allows the fundamental study of plasma-surface-interaction in conditions similar as at the wall of a fusion reactor.