Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The ITER Organization (IO) is a prominent international research and engineering project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy. Established to advance the understanding of fusion energy, the organization operates in a multi-cultural environment and encourages diversity among its workforce. The IO is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds, ensuring that discrimination and exclusion are not tolerated. The organization emphasizes the importance of collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (CARE) in its operations, aiming to create a sustainable energy future through innovative scientific research.

Job Overview:
As a Scientist at the ITER Organization, you will play a crucial role in the ambitious fusion energy project. Your primary responsibilities will include developing schemes for heat load protection of ITER's plasma-facing components (PFC) and integrating these schemes into the ITER Plasma Control System. You will assist design and assembly teams in evaluating the impact of PFC alignment on plasma operations and participate in a multi-year training program to become a future ITER session leader. The Experiments and Plasma Operation Section, where you will be working, focuses on preparing for ITER plasma operations and executing the ITER Research Plan by designing and commissioning the Plasma Control System (PCS). This role is vital for ensuring the success of ITER's research objectives and the safe operation of the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your key duties and responsibilities will include: 1) Developing real-time protection schemes for ITER's First Wall and Divertor plasma-facing components under plasma heat loads. 2) Integrating heat load protection functions into the ITER Plasma Control System (PCS) and conducting assessments within the Matlab/Simulink based Plasma Control System Simulation Platform (PCSSP). 3) Supporting ITER technical units in addressing the impact of plasma-facing component (PFC) misalignments on heat load management. 4) Proposing, promoting, and participating in experiments designed to test ITER's PFC heat load control schemes on tokamak devices within the ITER Members programs. 5) Actively contributing to the Plasma Operations team with a focus on acquiring knowledge and training toward a future ITER machine operator role. Additionally, you will support the broader design and assessment of the PCS beyond PFC heat load control, participate in the development of synthetic diagnostics and software for simulating PFC heat loads, and supervise ITER staff, visiting researchers, and interns contributing to studies in ITER physics related to PFC protection and plasma control. Note that job descriptions may not be exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other duties in line with your primary responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must have proven experience in fusion science, particularly in plasma control and heat fluxes to plasma-facing components. Essential qualifications include expertise in designing and optimizing plasma control schemes, defining control requirements and strategies, and developing simplified actuator and sensor models for plasma control. You should also possess high-level knowledge and practical experience with Simulink and MATLAB, particularly in designing Simulink models and testing and verification through Simulink tools. Familiarity with programming languages commonly used in fusion plasma simulation applications, such as Fortran, Python, and C/C++, is also required. Desirable qualifications include basic knowledge or experience of tokamak operation and familiarity with codes and analysis tools addressing experimental aspects of tokamak plasmas.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent in fusion plasma physics or a related discipline is essential for this position. However, extensive professional experience involving similar work responsibilities or additional training certificates in relevant domains may substitute for the required educational qualifications. This flexibility allows candidates with significant practical experience to be considered for the role, ensuring that the organization attracts a diverse range of applicants with varying backgrounds and expertise.

Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record in fusion science, particularly in the areas of plasma control and heat flux management. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing and optimizing plasma control schemes for scientific purposes, as well as practical experience with relevant software tools and programming languages. The position may also require participation in shift work and on-call duties, necessitating a flexible approach to working hours and availability.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This requirement ensures effective communication within the diverse, multi-national team at the ITER Organization. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates from ITER Member nations.

Additional Notes:
The initial employment contract for this position is up to five years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs. The job grade for this position begins at P1, and the final grade offered to the selected candidate will be determined by the IO Director General. The role may involve shift work and on-call responsibilities, requiring flexibility in working hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. A valid driving license in France is required for staff expected to perform on-call or shift work, as no commuting vehicle will be provided by the ITER Organization. The ITER Organization is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace, actively encouraging applications from under-represented nations and women candidates.