PhD position in modeling Electron Cyclotron Heating plasmas with SOLPS-ITER

• A doctoral scholarship of four years and, if successful, a PhD in Engineering Science
• Benefits such as health insurance, access to university sports facilities, etc.
• The opportunity to be active in an exciting and international research environment, engage in research collaborations and participate at international conferences, close collaboration with ITER International Organization
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year
• An excellent doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School in an international environment at a top European university. This will allow you to gain the skills required to successfully complete your PhD, as well as develop yourself as an independent researcher. Moreover, opportunities are provided to acquire deeper knowledge in subjects related to the topic by participating in trainings, summer schools, or lecture series in- and outside of KU Leuven
• A flexible working culture with opportunity to up to 40% remote working

It is expected that the successful candidate will spend some part of the graduate study working with experts at the ITER site (Cadarache, France). The successful candidate is expected to start as early as possible (upon agreement with Prof. Baelmans and Dr. Wauters).

You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher, and you are strongly interested in the development of numerical simulation methods. Moreover, you are a team player that enjoys collaborating with people within the research group, the project, and beyond, and have

• A master’s degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or in Engineering, with a background in mechanical or mathematical engineering, or related field, from a reputable institute, with at least distinction,
• A background in numerical modeling, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer,
• The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated e.g., by the grades obtained on your M. Sc. thesis,
• An excellent command of the English language, both in spoken and written form,
• A critical mindset.

Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage:

• Plasma physics, transport phenomena at continuum and kinetic level,
• Coding in languages such as Fortran and Matlab, 
• Familiarity with SOLPS(-ITER).

Applicants should express their interest by sending an email to prof. Martine Baelmans via the dedicated email address jobs.tfe@kuleuven.be. The email should *strictly* contain the following information in the text body, in bullets:

-Name

-Master degree (Master specification, University + Country, Year obtained, Promotor)

-Master thesis title

-A one paragraph (up to half an A4 page) statement explaining the motivation for applying for this vacancy at KU Leuven.

-Please also attach an academic CV to your email

Do not directly apply in the online system as referred to below. This will be only necessary for selected candidates in a second stage. Note that if you do not receive a response to your email within three weeks, this means you have not been selected for the second stage. Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies (so do not wait 'till the closing date to apply). For more information please contact prof. Martine Baelmans at jobs.tfe@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than 31/03/2023 via the online application tool