The Fusion plasma physics department staff consists of about 20 faculty members, researchers and PhD students who contribute to a highly professional environment with a friendly and open atmosphere. The staff has a multicultural background and the working language is English. The department is internationally well established, has many research collaborations with excellent partners worldwide, and is involved in several European and national projects.

For more information see the department’s web site.

Project description

In this novel and challenging project, a new approach for more effective solution of time-dependent problems in physics is applied and developed. Briefly, the method replaces the traditional time-stepping approach to solution of partial differential equations by a spectral representation of the time dimension, eliminating the time step limitations that often lead to very long computation times in today’s simulations. The PhD student’s research will focus on application of this method in order to improve the efficiency of turbulence simulations. Theoretical understanding of turbulence is crucial for achieving good magnetic confinement in fusion plasmas. More specifically, the starting point is two-dimensional drift wave turbulence, with successive inclusion of physical effects, and with a later focus on preliminar test and design of modules for more advanced, gyrokinetic modelling. This work is conducted in cooperation with Chalmers University of Technology. New algorithms will be developed in the project and there is also a possibility to take part in further numerical studies on kinetic plasma stability with relevance to the experiment Extrap T2R.

In a wider perspective, the PhD student will participate in the Doctoral program in Electrical Engineering, providing world class quality education, including a large list of graduate courses ensuring an in-depth development of relevant competences and skills.

KTH offers an attractive working environment and generous remuneration, as well as other employment benefits. As a PhD student at KTH you have many opportunities to participate at conferences, projects and other relevant events which will extend your professional network and benefit your future career.

Qualifications and eligibility

The successful applicant is expected to hold or to be about to receive an MSc degree in physics, engineering physics, computational physics, electrical engineering or similar field. A specialization in plasma physics and/or computational physics is an asset. Programming skills are required, since most work will be carried out using the programming languages Maple, Matlab and possibly Fortran.

The successful applicant should have an outstanding academic track record, and well developed analytical and problem solving skills. We are looking for a strongly motivated person, who is able to work independently. Good command of English orally and in writing is required to publish and present results at international conferences and in international journals. The evaluation will be based on how well the applicant fulfills the above qualifications.

Trade union representatives

You’ll find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH:s webbpage.

Application

Log into KTH’s recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of the application period.

The application must include:

• Full curriculum vitae including your relevant academic, professional, and other experience and knowledge.
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions, with translations in English (unless provided so by the issuing institution)
• Statement of purpose: Why the applicant wants to pursue a PhD, what are your academic interests, how they relate to your previous studies and future goals; maximum 2 pages long.
• Representative publications or technical reports: Up to 2 documents, no longer than 10 pages each. For longer documents (e.g. theses), please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
• Letters of recommendation or contact information for two reference persons

Others

The employment is time limited following the regulations for Ph.D. employment in the Higher Education Ordinance (~ 5 years when 80% PhD studies and 20% department service including teaching).

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