Senior Researcher in Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy

The Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy section (PPFE) at DTU Fysik is the Danish entry point to the European Fusion research programme. We directly contribute to the realisation of the ITER experimental fusion device and our goal is to demonstrate nuclear fusion as a viable energy source.

In our research we particularly focus on studies of:

• Transport and turbulence
• Dynamics of energetic ions

in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. 

We develop diagnostics and large scale numeric codes to simulate plasma turbulence behaviour in the edge region of fusion devices. 

In fusion plasmas energetic ions are expected to dominate the plasma behaviour in the central region of the fusion device. For the experimental characterisation of energetic ions we develop and operate measurement systems based on collective Thomson scattering.

Responsibilities and tasks 
The Senior Researcher will join the section for Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy and contribute to its research activities relating to the dynamics and diagnostics of fast- and bulk-ion populations in fusion plasmas. In particular, the Senior Researcher will be expected to lead the sections efforts to diagnose bulk-ion temperatures, flow velocities and isotope composition in fusion plasmas through the Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) technique. 

The overall goal will be to understand the dynamics of energy-, particle- and momentum-flows in fusion plasmas as well as further developing and improving the CTS technique. Specifically, the Senior Researcher will play a central role in operating and exploiting the groups existing CTS system on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak and in designing and exploring new systems for the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator and ITER. The design work for the ITER CTS system requires extensive modelling, and the Senior Researcher will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the required numerical tools and will be expected to lead and coordinate work on systems performance assessment and optimization. Supervision of students from the bachelor to PhD level as well as guidance of junior scientists will be an integrated part of the job.

The experimental activities are performed at European fusion research laboratories involving extensive international collaboration; especially with the EUROfusion consortium and the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik. The Senior Researcher is thus expected to take a leading role in designing, planning, and coordinating the execution and analysis of experiments in close collaboration with external research partners, and is further expected to apply for funding, participate in conferences and publish project results.

The design work for the ITER CTS system is performed in close collaboration with Fusion For Energy (F4E) and the ITER Organization. The Senior Researcher will play an important role in this project, and experience with large international collaborations, good communication skills, patience and a positive attitude to working in a team are essential requirements for the successful applicant. The daily working language is English and frequent international travels should be anticipated.
 
Qualifications
You have a PhD degree or equivalent, as well as academic qualifications equivalent to those obtained by holding a position as researcher or postdoc.

The successful candidate should further have a strong background and proven track record in plasma physics including experience with the operation of collective Thomson scattering diagnostics as well as design and execution of fusion plasma experiments. Specific areas of expertise that would be considered beneficial further include:

• Experience with plasma-wave interactions, ion temperature and plasma rotation measurements, plasma transport theory, and fast-ion dynamics. 
• Experience with Bayesian data analysis and performance assessment methods, and with validation of models on experimental data.
• Experience with ray- and beam tracing techniques to describe microwave propagation in fusion plasmas.
• A working knowledge of microwave equipment and techniques, heterodyne radiometers, high-speed digitizers, and Fourier transform spectroscopy. 
• Experience with calibration and analysis of radiometer data.
• Programming experience in, e.g., MATLAB, LABVIEW and FORTRAN.
• Experience with requirements managements and verification systems, such as Rational DOORS. 
• Experience working within systematic quality assurance frameworks and large international collaborations. 
• Demonstrated ability to publish in major research journals and to disseminate research at conferences.
• Proficiency in English. We expect the candidate to be willing to acquire sufficient skills to communicate in Danish.

 
Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to: 

• scientific production and research potential at international level 
• innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas 
• the ability to communicate at all levels such as the provision of scientific advice to public sector authorities 
• the ability to promote and utilize research results
• an all-round experience basis, preferably including international experience
• the ability to contribute to development of internal and external cooperation

We offer
DTU offers an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, scientific advice and innovation which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. DTU is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. 

The workplace is at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Volker Naulin, tel.: +45 2537 4538 or Senior Researcher Stefan Kragh Nielsen, tel.: +45 4677 4534

You can read more about PPFE on www.fysik.dtu.dk 

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 24 January 2017. Apply online by clicking on "Apply". 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV 
• Diploma (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications indicating scientific highlights 
• H-index, and ORCID (see e.g. http://orcid.org/)

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

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