Job Offers

Researcher, holder of Master Degree in physics (M/F/X)

CONTEXT

In the framework of the study PHYSFP3D, we are looking for a full-time researcher in physics with a master’s degree in physics.

The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.

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. KULeuven). You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled ‘Contributions to the development of a self-consistent 3D wave-particle description for tokamaks and stellarators’.

The objective of the PHYSFP3D project is to develop a set of numerical codes to describe self-consistently the interaction of RF waves and plasma particles when the Ion Cyclotron Radio Frequency heating method is used. These interactions are described by the Fokker-Planck equation on the one hand, where the distribution function of the plasma species is computed, and the wave equation on the other hand, where the electromagnetic fields distribution is evaluated in the fusion plasma. These project aims at solving these two equations in a consistent way, also including the spatial diffusion, and accounting for the 3D equilibrium of the stellarator. The phases of the work are

  1. Given the multidisciplinary character of the project, requiring combined expertise in the fields of RF wave propagation and absorption in plasmas, kinetic theory, advanced numerical methods, programming, we foresee an initial training period of the new collaborator.
  2. There will be 3 phases of code development, where more sophistication will be progressively introduced in the description. In parallel, an effort in developing efficient numerical methods or upgrading existing ones will be pursued. Each of these phases should produce a numerical code, which will be then coupled to a wave equation solver. The work can be summarized as follows:
  3. Development of a first simple coupled FP/transport code. In this preliminary phase, a simple 1D transport model with constant transport coefficients will be coupled with an existing 2D Fokker-Planck code. In a second phase, the transport model will be made more sophisticated. But we will assume that the particles are stuck to their magnetic surface.
  4. The latter assumption will be removed by taking the finite radial orbit width into account, but the geometry will keep its axisymmetry. The bounce-averaging procedure will be investigated, and a 3D Fokker-Planck code will be produced. This code will be valid for tokamaks when the ripples are not taken into account.
  5. The final step involves the first step in the removal of the assumption of axisymmetric system, with the eventual objective to develop a Fokker-Planck/diffusion equation model for a stellarator, or any other 3D magnetic confinement system: the numerical integration of realistic particle trajectories.
  6. The codes will be benchmarked against experimental results from the ICRF heated W7-X stellarator, which will consolidate the understanding of RF physics and heating in stellarators and tokamaks.

The project team consists of a promoter, Dr M. Vergote as LPP-ERM/KMS director, and a senior researcher, Dr F. Louche.

The technologies and methods used are general scientific research, supported by modern simulation methods for the calculations.

The deliverables of the first two phases (a & b) of this project are to have at least one numerical code. The code will have to be benchmarked against existing tools and used on some reference set a of plasma parameters relevant to existing experiments. Also, a manual for running the codes will be written.

Eventually this project could lead to the earning of PhD degree in plasma physics.

MAIN TASKS

  • Perform research activities in the frame of the study project, mainly focused on the development and validation of RF wave propagation and absorption codes in 3D geometries.
  • 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
  • Write a thesis for the obtention of a PhD degree, if agreed

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Degree(s) required: Master Degree in Physics, ideally obtained in theoretic physics and/or computational physics

This position is open for junior profiles (ideally 0-3 years of experience) . Candidates looking for a PhD position are encouraged to apply.

“MUST HAVE” skills:

  • Training or experience in scientific programming (e.g. Python, C++, Fortran,…)
  • Training or experience in mathematical methods of physics
  • Knowledge of fundamental plasma physics

“NICE TO HAVE” skills:

  • Training or experience in Finite Element Modelling
  • Training or experience in iterative solving of large systems of nonlinearly coupled equations
  • Knowledge in RF physics and kinetic equations of magnetised plasmas

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 communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
  • You take initiative.
  • You behave in a respectful way toward the others, their ideas and opinions as well as toward procedures and instructions.

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 a CV to Dr Fabrice Louche and to ERM-DEAO-STAFF-HRMGT-PATRIMONY@mil.be.

Please mention clearly the reference of the project in your email: “PHYSFP3D” and please also precise your nationality.

Application deadline: June 21th, 2026

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 01/09/2026, in consultation with the applicant.
  • Status: Full-time employment 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 2030. 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: Salary scale: wage scale NA11 (holder of a Master’s degree in Science or equivalent). A salary simulation can be done here: Simulateur de salaire. RMA 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);
  • Digital allowance: 15€ / month;
  • 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.

Last Updated on 03-06-2026.