Job Offers

Senior Researcher, holder of PhD in plasma physics

In the framework of the study MinICPED (MSP/25-08), we are looking for a full-time researcher in plasma physics with a PhD degree in plasma physics. We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

PROJECT

You work within the department of Physics of the Polytechnic Faculty of the RMA and in close collaboration with other EUROfusion laboratories (eg. KU Leuven). You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled ‘Minimization of Ion Cyclotron Parasitic Edge Dissipation’ (MinICPED).

The objective of the MinICPED study is to develop an integrated modelling capability for ICRF – plasma edge Interactions such that new ICRF antennae designs can rely on this actual modelling in order to optimise the RF coupled power to the plasma, taking into account all aspects of Pasma Particle transport and Radio-Frequency waves in the Scrape-Off-Layer located between the antenna and the core plasma. Keeping these objectives in mind, the phases of the work are:

  • Given the multidisciplinary character of the project, requiring combined expertise in the fields of RF wave propagation and absorption in plasmas, RF sheath physics, RF ponderomotive effects, as well as in the field of plasma edge transport, we foresee an initial training period of the new collaborator
  • As soon as possible, the real development should start:
  • Development and validation of a numerical code computing the RF ponderomotive force in the plasma
  • Implementation of RF-induced effects into the SOLPS edge transport code
  • Integration of the resulting upgraded SOLPS code with the LPP radiofrequency modelling suite. Self-consistent modelling based on iterative use of the two codes
  • Adding modelling capability for the sputtering of impurities by fast particles impinging upon the machine wall
  • Overall validation of the new integrated modelling code suite. Applications to modelling of ICRH on selected fusion devices: the W7-X stellarator and the ITER tokamak.
  • Improving the theory underlying edge-particle interaction in the plasma edge (RF sheath rectification, ponderomotive effects,…)
  • Further development and consolidation of the Radiofrequency model

The project team consists of a promoter, Dr M. Vergote as LPP-ERM/KMS director, and a team of senior researchers, Dr Ph. Lamalle and Dr D. Van Eester. They cover the aspects purely related to Radio-Frequency waves. Finally the implications on the particle transport, and the integration with a particle transport code as SOLPS itself, will be carried out by the researcher we are hiring.

The technologies and methods used are general scientific research, supported by modern simulation methods for the calculations. The final deliverable of this project is to have an integrated modelling code suite describing the parasitic edge dissipation effects for RF waves launched in the plasma.

MAIN TASKS

  • Perform research activities in the frame of the study project, mainly focused on the development and validation of the integrated modelling code suite based on SOLPS and RF wave propagation and absorption codes. This will serve development of new-to-build heating systems for a number of magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) devices that are planned around the world. We aim to develop a framework of codes, for maximum integration in the EUROfusion or ITER (IMAS) codes environment.
  • Report the progress results to the promoter and research team in English
  • Report the obtained results at international conferences and write scientific papers in English.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required : PhD in plasma physics, ideally obtained in the computational domain.

This position is open for senior PhD profiles (ideally 5 years of experience minimum).

However, young PhD-graduates are also encouraged to apply if they satisfy the skill constraints below

“MUST HAVE” skills:

  • Training or experience in scientific programming, FEM-based (e.g. Python, C++, Matlab,…)
  • Experience in programming of 2D/3D particle transport codes (SOLPS or equivalent)
  • Training or experience in modeling of plasma-wall interactions (PWI)

“NICE TO HAVE” skills:

  • Training or experience in parallelization of codes
  • Training or experience in iterative solving of large systems of nonlinearly coupled equations
  • Training or experience in the EUROfusion IMAS context
  • Training or experience with radiofrequency (RF) wave codes

Personal skills:

  • You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
  • You think in an innovative and creative way.
  • You are involved and result oriented.
  • You take initiative.
  • You are honest, loyal towards the institution and respect confidentiality.

Other skills:

  • The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
  • Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
  • Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

APPLICATION

Please send by email:

  • your CV
  • a motivation letter
  • a scan of your ID card (both sides)

to Dr Ir Maarten Vergote and to ERM DEAO.

Please mention clearly the reference of the project: “MSP/25-08”.

Application deadline: 25/05/2025.

The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.

CONTRACT

  • Probable date of recruitment: From 01/10/2025, in consultation with the applicant.
  • Status: Full-time employment (38 hours / week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).

Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until 2029. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.

  • Wage scale: class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master’s in Engineering Sciences, doctor’s degree in the same area of expertise). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
  • Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

  • Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
  • End-of-year bonus;
  • Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
  • Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
  • Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
  • Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
  • On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
  • Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
  • Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
  • Holidays:
  • 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
  • 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year’s Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
  • Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers…);
  • Entitlement to services offered by the ‘Office Central d’Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense’ (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator…;
  • Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

WORKPLACE

Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels. Occasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, etc.