The generation of a whole-plant “operating point” is a foundational step in developing the DEMO plant concept. This involves simplified models of plasma and engineering systems integrated into systems codes, ensuring all technological constraints and requirements are addressed without irreconcilable conflicts. The DEMO Nuclear Fusion Systems Codes Responsible Officer in the DEMO Central Team (DCT) will play a pivotal role in improving systems codes in Europe, defining robust DEMO design points, and enhancing the modelling of critical in-vessel nuclear systems, e.g. the Breeding Blanket, and the Vacuum Vessel, as well as other systems such as Balance of Plant, and Power Conversion System. A strong focus will be placed on addressing limitations impacting the dimensioning process in current system-level tools and developing approaches to incorporate nuclear system models into the systems code framework.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• DEMO Design Points: Generate and analyse suitable DEMO design points with systems codes, using lessons learned from the pre-Conceptual Design Phase.
• Nuclear Systems Development: Develop approaches to integrate models of nuclear systems into the systems code, addressing critical challenges like shielding, tritium retention, permeation, and transport at the system level.
• Enhancement of Systems Codes: Collaborate closely with E-TASC to improve systems codes, focusing on developing and integrating advanced models of key nuclear systems, including the Breeding Blanket, Vacuum Vessel, Balance of Plant, and Power Conversion System.
• Plant Operation Studies: Analyse the impact of changes in machine architecture and technology assumptions on plant operation and design.
• Systems Integration: Oversee DEMO systems integration modelling to resolve conflicts between system requirements, ensuring frequent feedback loops between systems codes and higher-order calculations in the reactor design framework to ensure consistency between the various design levels.
• Trade-Off and Sensitivity Studies: Conduct trade-off and sensitivity analyses to support decisions and optimize plant design. These can concern both physical (e.g. impact of different scaling laws) and technological assumptions (i.e. mechanical properties of a structural material, nuclear performances, etc.).
• Task Coordination: Define and coordinate tasks within the WPDES work package, particularly those related to the development and integration of nuclear systems models in system-level tools.
• Documentation Improvement: Contribute to the improvement and consolidation of documentation for both existing and future system code modules, ensuring consistency, traceability, and accessibility for ongoing and future developments.

• PhD degree in Engineering or Physics.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in fields such as systems codes, reactor design frameworks, or modelling of nuclear systems.
• Strong knowledge of reactor systems, including materials, loads, design, and associated technologies.
• Familiarity with nuclear system challenges, including tritium transport phenomena.
• Experience in managing and monitoring research tasks.
• Proficiency in CAD, neutronics, reduced modelling, and numerical integration tools is desirable.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

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.