PhD Scholarships in Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy – DTU Physics

Are you interested in contributing to solve the energy crisis by developing a clean sustainable energy source which replicates the Sun on Earth? Would you like to work in a team with a strong feeling of purpose and belonging? 

The section for Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy (PPFE) at Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is seeking highly motivated physicists or engineers to initiate a three-year PhD project in experimental and theoretical plasma physics. We are expanding our activities by designing an upgrade of the existing NORTH tokamak, building up a linear plasma device to study non-linear plasma physics, and initiating activities on microwave induced current drive for tokamaks. These activities are part of a newly funded centre for plasma physics funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and we need curious people to participate in this expansion. 

About the projects:

Project one
This project focus on the newly constructed linear plasma device, PACE (Plasma Cavity Experiment), at the Technical University of Denmark. The objective of this device is to investigate the nonlinear wave physics of electron cyclotron heating waves used in tokamak operations. Recent studies from large tokamaks indicate that electron cyclotron heating waves may interact nonlinearly with the plasma before reaching the final heating position. Newly developed models predict that a significant portion of the heating wave may be lost due to this effect.

The goal of this project is to experimentally validate these models at the PACE device. Part of the work will involve designing a helicon antenna for plasma generation and equipping PACE with microwave systems and diagnostics for plasma wave detection. Since the expected wave trapping is highly dependent on the density profile, special attention will be devoted to the development of reliable density diagnostics. Additionally, you are expected to participate in experiments on larger magnetically confined fusion devices in Europe, such as the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak at the Max Planck Institute in Germany and the TCV tokamak at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

Project two
This project focus on the design and utilization of a Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostic for fast-ion measurements on the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Swiss Plasma Center in Lausanne. CTS is a highly versatile diagnostic technique for characterizing both thermal and non-thermal ions in fusion plasmas. The Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy Section of DTU Physics has extensive expertise in designing, developing, and utilizing such diagnostics across various contemporary fusion experiments.

Through modelling of microwave propagation in TCV-relevant plasmas, you will establish the optimal operating regime for the diagnostic and evaluate measurement performance based on synthetic CTS data. Furthermore, you will also participate in the operation of the diagnostic and ultimately assess the fast-ion velocity distribution in the TCV tokamak, comparing it against different fast-ion models. Additionally, the candidate will work on the CTS systems already in operation at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak and the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in Germany.

Project Three
This project focus on theoretical models for plasma wave propagation.  When the plasma density is high and the plasma frequency exceeds the electron cyclotron frequency, standard electron cyclotron resonance heating and current drive methods for tokamaks and stellarators become ineffective. In this scenario, a heating mechanism known as Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW) heating is proposed, which converts externally launched microwaves into longitudinal EBW waves within the plasma. At the wave conversion point, referred to as the upper-hybrid layer, the wave amplitude is amplified, and nonlinear wave excitation is likely to occur. Additionally, near high amplitude electric fields, the electron orbits can become chaotic, leading to a non-resonant stochastic heating process.

In this project, you will develop theoretical models to quantify the effects of non-resonant stochastic heating and various nonlinear wave-plasma interactions related to EBW heating. Special attention will be given to potential parametric decay instabilities, which are a focal point of the PPFE section at DTU. The results will be used to evaluate the conversion efficiency in EBW heating experiments planned for the MAST-Upgrade device in Oxfordshire, UK, as well as in the future Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP). Collaboration with Oxford University is anticipated.

What we offer:
Joining our team will provide you with numerous benefits, including:

• The opportunity to explore completely new regimes of physics
• A friendly and professional research environment with support from supervisors, colleagues, and technical/administrative staff
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with brilliant international scientists
• Competitive university salaries
• Support for travel to workshops, conferences, and schools
• Career planning support for PhD students

What we expect
To thrive in our team, we expect the following from you:

• Enthusiasm for tackling large challenges and a passion for solving them
• A drive to achieve groundbreaking results
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with an open-minded spirit, embracing both teaching and learning opportunities
• A genuine interest in discussing physics and engaging in thoughtful conversations
• Making things work

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Experience with plasma physics is an advantage but not a requisite. 

DTU and EUROfusion – your new base and network
From your base at DTU, you will be part of a broad and dynamic network of PhD students, experienced researchers, and companies located in several EU countries with the common mission to develop nuclear fusion into a sustainable energy source. DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
The assessment with be made by Professor Stefan Kragh Nielsen and an internal evaluation committee. 

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

The period of employment is 3 years. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Stefan Kragh Nielsen, [email protected] .

You can read more about DTU Physics at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/research/ppfe/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

In the field “Please indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for”, please indicate which project you are applying for (title from the above list of PhD projects or individual research projects).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.