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 Basic Plasma Physics Group: Tracking atomic processes by active plasma spectroscopy
Contact: Dr. Christine Stollberg, Prof. Ivo Furno
Helium (He) is the second most abundant element in the universe and plays a key role in everything from stellar evolution to cutting-edge plasma medicine and in the ongoing quest for fusion energy. Despite being a relatively simple atomic system, many of helium’s atomic properties are still beyond our computational reach, making precise experimental studies essential.
The Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) at EPFL in Lausanne is home to the Resonant Antenna Ion Device (RAID), a linear plasma source that produces steady-state plasmas and represents the perfect platform for exploring fundamental atomic physics in fusion-relevant plasmas.
We aim to use RAID plasmas to measure collisional rates in helium. By using Laser Collision-Induced Fluorescence (LCIF), we will study how laser-driven excitations in the plasma redistribute through collisions. This experiment will provide crucial data to improve collisional-radiative (CR) models, which are widely used in plasma diagnostics to interpret emission spectra. To make this ambitious project a reality, our lab is equipped with advanced tools like a tunable pico-second laser, Thomson scattering diagnostics, and high-end spectrometers and detectors, all of which enable precise measurements of plasma conditions and fluorescence signals.
As PostDoc you will be responsible to implement and run the standard diagnostics (Thomson Scattering, Optical Emission Spectroscopy) that provide the project with high-quality plasma parameters and spectra. You team up with the PhD student(s) in implementing the LCIF diagnostic at RAID and in interpreting the measured rates in the framework of CR model validation at RAID. Experience in optical plasma diagnostics and CR models is desirable.
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 for Testing of Superconducting Cables
Your tasks:
- Lead the test campaigns in the SULTAN test facility, plan the test program, analyze the results and report them in a test report. Coordinate the testing and the conductor sample preparation with the international partners. This will be the major task occupation.
- Participate in the development of the second test facility EDIPO.
- Design and R&D of superconducting cables for state-of-the-art fusion magnets, mainly for the EUROfusion DEMO tokamak.
- Support of Ph.D. students.
Your profile:
- Ph.D. degree in Physics or Engineering.
- Experience in Applied Superconductivity and Magnet Technology.
- 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.
- A good level of English.
- Basic knowledge of German or willingness to learn German.
We offer:
- A stimulating environment in a working team of approx. 20 people
- A broad network of international collaborations.
- Employment conditions of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology.
- Initial contract of a limited duration of four years.
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:
Kamil Sedlak, EPFL-SPC, WMHA C37, CH-5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 56 310 3564
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.