PhD position in AI-modelling of Powerful Microwaves in Fusion Plasmas

We invite candidates with a strong grounding in engineering physics and interest in fusion plasma physics as well as AI for scientific enquiry, to apply for the PhD position detailed here. The application deadline is 1 September 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)
Powerful microwaves interact strongly and non-linearly with hot plasmas relevant for fusion energy. Such waves provide a means of heating and stabilising fusion plasmas as well as measuring many aspects of the state of the plasma. Modelling wave-plasma interactions is computationally demanding. With AI based modelling, scientific investigations and concept developments will be massively accelerated and new areas of enquiry will become accessible. University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is pursuing this in tight collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), EPFL (Switzerland), CCFE (UK) and MIT (USA). This collaboration includes world leading fusion plasma facilities, and top-level expertise on fusion plasma physics and AI.

To support this effort, we currently have two openings at SDU for PhD fellows: one focussing on plasma physics, the other on AI. For the former we invite candidates, with a strong grounding in engineering physics and interest in fusion plasma physics as well as AI for scientific enquiry, to apply for the position detailed here. The position is in the Unit for Applied AI and Data Science at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moeller Institute at SDU. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the collaboration mentioned above. The preferred starting date is 1 January 2025.

We offer
In this position you will be embedded in a research environment that spans theory, modelling, and experimentation on powerful microwaves in fusion plasmas and develops AI to address some of the computationally most challenging problems in fusion plasmas. You will be an integral part of our Fusion-AI team at SDU and our collaboration with DTU, IPP, EPFL, CCFU and MIT. We anticipate that you will visit our collaborators regularly and participate in experiments at their facilities.

In this position we will train you to embark on a research career in fusion plasma physics equipped with a strong grounding in applying the most modern and powerful AI for scientific enquiry.

Qualifications
You should have a strong grounding in physics, engineering, and mathematics. We anticipate that you have an M.Sc. degree in Engineering Physics or related such as Physics, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities
You will explore non-linear phenomena of powerful microwaves in fusion plasmas and help develop novel approaches to heating and stabilising fusion plasmas, and to measuring crucial information on the state of the plasma. The latter both for scientific enquiry and to provide real time input for active control of fusion plasmas.

For further information about the positions, please contact
Head of the unit of Applied AI and Data Science (AID), Esmaeil Nadimi .

If you experience technical problems, please contact [email protected].

Conditions of employment
Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position.

The monthly gross salary incl. pension is 35.707DKR. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

Further information about salary and conditions of employment.

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process. Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be applied. Read about shortlisting at SDU.

Application
The faculty advises applicants to read SDU information on how to applybefore applying.

The application must contain (only as pdf):

• A letter of motivation and indication of qualifications for the position (max. 2 pages).
• CV (max 2 pages).
• Certified copy of M.Sc. and B.Sc. and any other relevant diplomas.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish).
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

UPLOAD GUIDE: ‘Letter of motivation’ shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’, CV shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’. All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’.

Attached files must be in Adobe PDF. Documents should not contain CPR number.

Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview after the application deadline.

The application deadline is 1 September 2024 at 11.59 PM / 23.59 (CET/CEST)

The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute
The Maersk McKinney Moller Institute (MMMI) is part of the Faculty of Engineering at SDU. MMMI is an internationally recognized research department, which has maintained a leading position in robotics for more than two decades. The Unit of Applied AI and Data Science is the main driver of activities within artificial intelligence and machine learning at SDU. The Unit has close collaboration with hospitals. Furthermore, the team has a long history of collaboration with industrial partners in sustainable energy.

Read more about AID and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Placering: Odense, Denmark