KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering

The research project for the present doctoral position is multi-disciplinary encompassing fusion science and technology: plasma physics, materials science, development and application of reactor wall components and diagnostic tools.

The ultimate goal of fusion research is to construct and operate a power generating system. There are still significant issues to be resolved on the way to a commercial reactor. An important point for detailed investigation is connected to wall materials surrounding hot thermonuclear plasma. The area Plasma – Wall Interactions (PWI) comprises all processes of mass and energy exchange between the fusion plasma and the wall. It is necessary to develop understanding of PWI and to devise methods to control these processes, because material erosion and plasma contamination limit operation of a reactor. The work involves: (a) study of material modification under plasma impact; (b) development and testing of materials under fusion reactor conditions. The project deals with plasma-facing components which undergo modification caused by particle fluxes and resulting heat loads. Physical sputtering, chemical erosion, melting, arcing and brittle destruction are major mechanisms responsible for erosion of materials being in contact with hot plasmas.

The aim of research for this doctoral position is to assess the change in material morphology (structure and composition) and plasma parameters following the exposure of wall components and special probes to plasma in controlled fusion devices (e.g. JET) and/or in simulators of PWI. Examples of materials studied today include carbon fibre composites and heavy metals such as tungsten. The research group at FPP of KTH actively participates in the European fusion programme.  The work is carried out in cooperation with partner institutions (material and fusion science laboratories) from many countries. More information on the European programme can be found on the EUROfusion and other fusion-related web sites.

What we offer

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

  • passed a degree at advanced level,
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
  • in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

  • ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
  • ability to collaborate with others,
  • have a professional approach and
  • analyse and work with complex issues.

Highly motivated individuals with a master's degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, Materials Science or a corresponding degree. Good knowledge of physics/chemistry, materials science, spectroscopy and modelling skills is an asset.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

  • CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
  • Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number J-2018-2862
Contact
  • Marek Rubel, Professor, marek.rubel@ee.kth.se
  • Dr. Per Petersson, per.petersson@ee.kth.se
  • Anna Mård, HR Officer, rekrytering@eecs.kth.se
Published 06.Dec.2018
Last application date 15.Jan.2019 11:59 PM CET

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