PhD researcher Integrated modeling in tokamak fusion plasma core and edge

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.

Differ is looking for a PhD researcher Integrated modeling in tokamak fusion plasma core and edge: exploitation of accelerated deep-learning based edge models in JINTRAC (X/F/M)

DIFFER is seeking to hire a PhD researcher (4 years) to work with the Integrated Modeling group at the institute in support of various in-house activities as well as in collaboration with external partners (EUROfusion, ITER, and other partners in fusion).  Foreseen is to conduct dynamic integrated plasma core & edge simulations and the application of the JINTRAC flight simulator tool. JINTRAC consists a set of integrated code modules, a high-fidelity simulation suite, that is required to be validated for full tungsten (W) reactors like ITER.

A consistent JINTRAC model should be worked out and tested against present day devices with metal plasma-facing components (AUG, JET, etc). A “predict-first” attempt for W transport for the full-W wall machine JT60-SA (Japan) is also foreseen to challenge the newly developed model. In addition, and in support of the foreseen work, the neural network version of SOLPS-ITER, namely SOLPS-NN, is to be exploited as part of JINTRAC toolset to speed up full device higher-fidelity modelling activities.  SOLPS-NN shall also be incorporated into the MUSCLE3 environment that will be used for the pulse design tool at ITER.  A possible coupling of SOLPS-NN to TORAX code is also foreseen to exploit the possibility of a fully differential global model (towards a digital twin). The work on MUSCLE3 and TORAX will be pursued in collaboration with our partners Ignition Computing (Eindhoven) and Google DeepMind (London).

Position and requirements

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Employment of the JINTRAC high-fidelity plasma simulator tool to run integrated plasma core & edge simulations.
• Exploitation of new JINTRAC capabilities to speed-up the edge part of the simulations: use of SOLPS-NN coupled to JINTRAC
• Verification and validation of the integrated JINTRAC model on present day fusion experiments (e.g. through participation in the EUROfusion WPTE analysis campaigns)
• Deployment of resultant JINTRAC model to predict W transport in JT60SA (plasma core and edge)
• Deployment of reactor scale JINTRAC simulations in support of integrated tungsten transport from the wall to the plasma core (ITER, DEMO)
• Deployment of JINTRAC model in support of plasma particle and heat exhaust control schemes

Required skills:

• Good understanding of fusion plasma physics (MSc level)
• Experience with plasma transport solvers (e.g. JINTRAC, SOLPS-ITER, TORAX, or similar)
• Experience with code coupling schemes and simulation workflows (e.g. IMAS, MUSCLE3)
• Experience with machine learning / deep-learning based models (not a mandatory requirement but welcome)

Terms and conditions

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 4 years and is graded in pay scale PhD. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Information and application

For more information concerning the position please contact Sven Wiesen via [email protected]. The interviews will take place on May 21st 2025. To apply for this position, please click the button underneath:

Closing date

May 14, 2025