PhD Scholarship in Experimental Plasma Physics - DTU Physics

Are you interested in contributing to solve the energy crisis by developing a clean sustainable energy source which replicates the Sun on Earth? Would you like to work in a team with a strong feeling of purpose and belonging?

The Section for Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy (PPFE) at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), is seeking highly motivated physicists or engineers to undertake a three-year PhD project in experimental plasma physics. We are expanding our research activities and developing a linear plasma device to study non-linear plasma phenomena. This initiative is part of a newly established Center for Plasma Physics funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and we are looking for curious and dedicated individuals to contribute to this exciting expansion.

About the project
Electromagnetic waves are commonly employed to heat fusion plasmas through the principle of electron cyclotron resonance heating. In this process, externally launched waves couple to the cyclotron motion of electrons near the plasma center. However, recent models predict that as these waves traverse the plasma edge, they may be influenced by non-linear plasma–wave interactions. Some studies suggest that this coupling could drain energy from the waves, reducing heating efficiency. Conversely, novel concepts propose exploiting this non-linear interaction to generate high-frequency waves for potential medical applications.

We are seeking a candidate to lead the upgrade and utilization of the linear plasma device PACE (Plasma Cavity Experiment) at the Technical University of Denmark. The primary objective of this device is to investigate the nonlinear wave physics associated with electron cyclotron heating waves used in tokamak operations.

The objective of this PhD project is to experimentally validate hypotheses concerning non-linear wave–plasma interactions using the PACE device. The research will involve carefully planned experimental campaigns on PACE, followed by detailed analytical work to determine instability growth rates and connect experimental data to theoretical models.

The candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of key components, including helicon antennas for plasma generation, microwave systems, and advanced diagnostics for plasma-wave detection. Since wave trapping is expected to occur—potentially altering plasma density—special emphasis will be placed on developing reliable, fast-response density diagnostics.

In addition to work on PACE, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in experiments on major European fusion facilities, such as the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak at the Max Planck Institute (Germany) and the TCV tokamak at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland).

What we offer:
Joining our team will provide you with numerous benefits, including:

• The opportunity to explore completely new regimes of physics.
• A friendly and professional research environment with support from supervisors, colleagues, and technical/administrative staff.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaboration with international scientists.
• Competitive university salaries and support for travel to workshops, conferences, and summer schools.
• Career planning support for PhD students.

What we expect:
To thrive in our team, we expect the following from you:

• Enthusiasm for tackling challenges and a passion for solving them.
• A drive to achieve groundbreaking results.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with an open-minded spirit, embracing both teaching and learning opportunities.
• An interest in discussing physics and engaging in thoughtful conversations.
• Making things work.

You must have a two-year master's degree in Physics or Engineering (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment with be made by Professor Stefan Kragh Nielsen and an internal evaluation committee.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Stefan Kragh Nielsen ([email protected]) and Riccardo Ragona ([email protected]).

You can read more about the section for plasma physics and fusion energy at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/research/ppfe.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-01T22:59:00+00:00