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
2026-41113
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
Research Engineer / Physicist – Plasma Pedestal Modelling for Fusion Reactors
Socio-professional category
Executive
Contract duration (months)
36
Job description
Within the IRFM, you will contribute to the design studies of fusion power plants based on high-temperature superconducting magnets as part of the SF-Plant project, with a particular focus on modelling plasma pedestal stability.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Performing and/or coordinating plasma pedestal stability studies based on the fusion power plant design activities carried out within the SF-Plant project. These studies rely on several specialized codes dedicated to pedestal physics and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability, including HELENA/MISHKA, EUROPED, and CASTOR.
- Assessing the impact of pedestal stability calculations and associated uncertainties on the reactor designs under consideration. This includes close interaction with the SF-Plant team and the development of interfaces with systems codes (e.g. SYCOMORE) as well as plasma scenario modelling codes such as METIS and HFPS.
- Collaborating with existing modelling teams or carrying out simulations independently to develop and validate reduced plasma pedestal models.
Applicant Profile
You are an engineer or physicist with experience in the field of fusion research. You have a strong background in tokamak physics and engineering, as well as numerical simulation.
You are comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment, enjoy collaborative research, and demonstrate scientific rigour and analytical skills.
Required Skills
- Plasma physics and tokamak engineering.
- Plasma pedestal physics and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability.
- Numerical modelling and scientific computing.
- Experience with scientific simulation codes (HELENA/MISHKA, EUROPED, CASTOR, METIS, HFPS, SYCOMORE, or equivalent).
- Analysis of uncertainties and fusion reactor design studies.
In line with CEA's commitment to the integration of disabled people, this position is open to all. The CEA offers accommodation and/or organizational possibilities for the integration of disabled workers.
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
Master's degree or a PhD in Plasma Physics, Fusion Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or equivalent
Requester
Position start date
02/11/2026
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