Post-doc position on AI-augmented boundary plasma modelling for turbulent transport simulations in WEST and ITER tokamak

RESEARCHER PROFILE: Postdoc / R2: PhD holders 
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Physics - Computer science
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Engineering

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION 
Fusion based on magnetic confinement aims at producing power by using the energy liberated by fusing deuterium and tritium nuclei at extremely high temperatures (107-108K), within a plasma confined by magnetic fields in machines of toroidal shape known as tokamaks. ITER (https://www.iter.org/), which was designed as the key experimental step between today's research machines and tomorrow's fusion power plants, is certainly among the most ambitious technological and scientific challenges that humanity has set itself in recent years. Due to its unprecedented size and plasma conditions, ITER raises new scientific and technological challenges. Foremost among these challenges is the issue of power exhaust, with the control of heat fluxes onto the tokamak walls in high energy confinement configurations. This calls for the design of optimized operating scenario which require a more complete understanding of the mechanisms at play, resulting from the complex interplay of transport processes in the plasma, losses at the wall and numerous atomic and molecular interactions.

In this context, a one-year and a half (renewable) postdoctoral position is opened at the M2P2 laboratory in Marseille (Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, Ecole Centrale) to focus on detecting blobs and filaments from experimental databases and estimating their impact on turbulent transport using AI methodologies. By capturing the dynamics of these structures, we aim to improve the modelling of turbulent transport in mean-field edge codes and enhance our understanding of plasma-wall interactions (PWI). This research is critical for addressing key issues such as first-wall erosion and heat loads at the divertor, which have significant implications for the lifetime and performance of plasma-facing components (PFC) in fusion reactors.

The primary objectives of our project are:

1. Develop new AI tools for detecting and studying the dynamics of blobs and filaments using reflectometry experimental databases and high-fidelity fluid turbulence simulations.
2. Extract crucial insights such as filament frequency, velocity, and correlation time across different plasma regimes.
3. Estimate effective diffusion coefficients to improve predictive capabilities of mean-field codes applied in tokamak configurations.
4. Advance the understanding of plasma simulations in the scrape-off layer (SOL) region and their impact on plasma-wall interactions.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on AI techniques for detecting and analyzing blobs and filaments in experimental data and simulation outputs.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement AI algorithms and tools.
• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and validation of results.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME        
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 30th 2024
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: June 2024
ENVISAGED DURATION: 18 months (renewable)
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

WORK LOCATION(S): M2P2 Lab - Ecole Centrale, 38 rue F. Joliot-Curie 13013 Marseille FRANCE

WHAT WE OFFER:
The post-doc will work in an interdisciplinary team associating skills in applied mathematics, computing science and plasma physics. The M2P2 laboratory hosts the last generation of the French edge plasma codes in conjunction with IRFM-CEA where the tokamak WEST is currently operated in close connections operates with the preparation of ITER operation.

Gross monthly salary to be discussed depending on level.

Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal 

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS (years of research experience
The candidate will hold a PhD in mathematics, plasma physics or computer science, with a solid background in AI/machine learning techniques. A background in plasma transport phenomena as well as an experience with data analysis, statistical methods, and scientific computing will be also appreciated. The work requires also an excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Soft skills: The numerical developments required will involve team-working skills to interact frequently with other post-docs/PhD working on the same numerical code. 

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS

• A detailed CV 
• A cover letter

HOW TO APPLY: david.zarzoso-fernandez@univ-amu.fr; anna.MEDVEDEVA@univ-amu.fr; eric.serre@univ-amu.fr;