General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
2026-39433
Description de l'unité
The CEA is at the heart of society's challenges, particularly the energy transition. In this field, cutting-edge research is being carried out at the Institut de Recherche sur la Fusion par Confinement Magnétique (IRFM), whose aim is to develop a sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy source based on the use of fusion energy found in stars.
To produce this energy on Earth, we need to heat a medium called plasma to several hundred million degrees in high-tech facilities such as tokamaks. This challenge, rich in industrial and economic prospects, requires major scientific and technological advances that are mobilizing the scientific community. The IRFM operates the WEST tokamak as part of the European fusion program, in preparation for future experiments on the international ITER tokamak currently under construction on the Cadarache site. IRFM researchers, together with their academic partners, are also developing the theoretical and modeling tools needed to understand the phenomena at the heart of fusion plasmas, while engineers and technicians are working on innovative technologies in fields such as cryomagnetism, high-frequency wave heating and new materials for extracting intense heat fluxes.
Position description
Category
Corpuscular physics and outer space
Contract
Fixed-term contract
Job title
Postdoctoral Researcher – Development of Plasma Scenarios Based on Electron Cyclotron Heating
Socio-professional category
Executive
Contract duration (months)
12 + 12
Job description
As part of the research carried out on the tokamak WEST (W Environment in Steady-state Tokamak), we are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development and optimization of plasma scenarios based on Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH).
The proposed work will build on ECRH-heated plasma scenarios and will include in particular:
- Modeling of plasma scenarios incorporating ECRH heating;
- Calculation and analysis of thermal loads induced by ECRH on the internal components of the WEST vacuum vessel, with application and extrapolation to the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) tokamak;
- Modeling, development, and implementation of control strategies aimed at stabilizing MHD instabilities on WEST;
- Contribution to the interpretation of experimental results and to the preparation of plasma experimental campaigns.
The successful candidate will work in an international research environment, addressing key challenges related to the control and performance of fusion plasmas.
Applicant Profile
- PhD in Plasma Physics;
- Experience with magnetic confinement fusion devices (tokamaks);
Strong skills in:
- Plasma physics modeling;
- ECRH (Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating) systems.
- Knowledge of control engineering and control systems would be appreciated but is not mandatory;
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, scientific autonomy, and strong scientific writing skills.
In line with the commitments of French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities, this position is open to all applicants. CEA provides workplace accommodations and organizational arrangements to support the inclusion of employees with disabilities.
Position location
Site
Cadarache
Job location
France, Provence-Côte d'Azur, Bouches du Rhône (13)
Location
Saint Paul lez Durance
Candidate criteria
Languages
English (Fluent)
Recommended training
PhD in Plasma Physics or a related field.
Requester
Position start date
01/05/2026
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