Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Posting Organization:
The ITER Organization (IO) is a pioneering international collaboration aimed at developing fusion energy as a sustainable and non-carbon emitting energy source. Established to harness the power of fusion, which is the same process that fuels the sun, the organization operates in a multi-cultural environment and encourages diversity among its workforce. The ITER project is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, and the organization is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The IO is dedicated to creating a fair and equitable environment across all areas of the project, including compensation and benefits, and actively encourages applications from under-represented nations and women candidates. The ITER Organization is located in southern France and is known for its collaborative culture, which is guided by its CARE values: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.

Job Overview:
The Postdoctoral Researcher position at the ITER Organization offers an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of fusion science and technology. The role involves pursuing original research that contributes to the ITER Project, which is at the forefront of developing fusion energy. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute effectively to the research or engineering program at ITER, producing innovative studies within defined timelines, and communicating findings through reports and presentations. The Postdoctoral Fellowship program is designed to cultivate excellence in research and allows young researchers to tackle one of the significant scientific challenges of the 21st century while collaborating with leading experts in a unique international environment. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing fusion energy and making a meaningful impact in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher include conducting original research aligned with the ITER Project's goals in various areas of fusion science and technology. Specific duties may involve:

• Researching Agentic AI applications for fusion simulations and experiments.
• Investigating Shattered Pellet Injectors (SPI) to mitigate disruptions.
• Performing coupled free-boundary core-edge-SOL transport modeling of ITER scenarios.
• Conducting MHD simulations of Tungsten transport in small ELM regimes.
• Implementing quasi-symmetric error field correction in ITER.
• Advancing modeling frameworks for tritium inventory management.
• Utilizing the Pulse Design Simulator (PDS) for modeling ion and impurity transport.
• Developing strategies for optimal fast terminations in ITER.
• Supporting edge plasma simulations for the ITER Research Plan. 1
• Creating a Digital Twin for Fusion Energy. 1
• Integrating diagnostics and data fusion for dust, erosion, and tritium management. 1
• Designing and verifying the Optical/Infrared/Microwave calibration system. 1
• Engaging in neutron transport modeling and diagnostic calibration. Additionally, the researcher will collaborate with peers, publish research findings in conferences and journals, and may be required to undertake other duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in Science, Technology, or Engineering, with a specialization relevant to the ITER Project. The PhD must have been awarded after January 1, 2023, or the candidate must be expected to complete their PhD prior to the start date of the fellowship. Essential qualifications include proven experience in scientific or engineering research in areas related to fusion science and technology, as well as strong writing and presentation skills for technical documentation and reports. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with computational methods for physics or engineering analysis and proficiency in scientific computing languages such as Fortran or C.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a PhD in a relevant field such as Science, Technology, or Engineering. The candidate must have completed their doctoral studies after January 1, 2023, or be on track to complete them before the fellowship begins. This educational background is crucial for engaging in the advanced research activities associated with the ITER Project.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in scientific or engineering research, particularly in areas pertinent to fusion science and technology. Experience in conducting original research, collaborating with other scientists or engineers, and publishing findings in reputable journals or conferences is essential. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability and innovative thinking in their research approach.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication within the international team and for the preparation of research reports and presentations. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is two years, with the possibility of extension based on the Director General's discretion. The ITER Organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it actively encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of its CARE values in guiding workplace culture and interactions. The position may require flexibility in working hours, including nights and weekends, depending on project needs, and candidates may need to possess a valid driving license in France for any required travel.