Research Associate in Electron Kinetics of Microwave Current Drive

University of York; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in computational fusion plasma physics. This role involves contributing to the STEP power plant design programme, focusing on microwave current drive and studying impacts of non-Maxwellian distributions. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in plasma physics and experience in fusion plasma physics simulations. This position promotes collaboration with UKAEA and encourages publishing significant research outputs.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in plasma physics.
• Experience with fusion plasma physics simulations.
• Good command of English language in written and oral communication.

Responsibilities

• Support contributions to the STEP power plant design programme.
• Work in microwave current drive and study non-Maxwellian distributions.
• Collaborate closely with UKAEA and other institutions.

Skills

Experience of fusion plasma physics simulations

Good knowledge of computational fusion plasma physics

Good communication skills

Self-motivated

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

PhD in plasma physics or equivalent experience

Job description

Department

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to deliver world-leading research in both fundamental and applied areas whilst developing new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and across all staff groups and offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. We are proud to hold Juno Champion and Athena Swan silver awards, which recognise our commitment to creating an equitable and fully inclusive environment in which staff and students can thrive. We aim to inspire young people to engage with science and engineering through our outreach work.

Our microwave plasma physics group resides within the York Plasma Institute. We have expertise in a wide range of microwave physics and engineering for fusion applications including diagnostics and heating & current drive (the focus of this role). You will join a vibrant research group that collaborates closely with our counterparts at UKAEA and other universities & laboratories, both in the UK and overseas.

Role

We are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in computational fusion plasma physics to support our contributions to the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production, https://step.ukaea.uk) power plant design programme, being led by UKAEA. Specifically, you will work in the area of microwave current drive, to include a study of the impact of non-Maxwellian distributions. This will certainly involve the use of existing microwave propagation & Fokker-Planck codes; the role might also require some development of new code. You will usually be based at the University of York yet will collaborate closely with UKAEA. You will be encouraged and supported to publish your significant research outputs.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• You will have a PhD (or demonstrable equivalent experience) in plasma physics
• You will have experience of fusion plasma physics simulations
• You will be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of computational fusion plasma physics (i.e. both computational techniques and the underlying plasma physics)
• You will have good communication skills – written and oral – and a good command of the English language
• You will be self-motivated, but also work well in a collaborative team
• You will be able to work independently, as well as collaboratively, offering innovative solutions to challenging research problems

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Roddy Vann at [e-mail] or Simon Freethy at [e-mail] or [e-mail]