PhD-Position - Design eines plasma-facing components (PFC) basierend auf Wf/W

PhD Position - Design of a plasma facing component (PFC) based on Wf/W

We invite you to be part of our innovative team and contribute to advancing the industrial scaling and testing of high-performance materials such as tungsten fiber-reinforced tungsten (Wf/W). At the Forschungszentrum Jülich, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge material technologies for future fusion power plants. The Institute of Fusion Energy & Nuclear Waste Management - Plasma Physics (IFN-1) coordinates research on plasma-wall interactions in fusion devices as part of the national fusion program of the Helmholtz Association. This work is part of the European fusion program within the EUROfusion consortium and encompasses experimental and theoretical aspects of the development and qualification of materials for the first wall in fusion devices, as well as the investigation of plasma-wall interactions in large-scale experiments such as Wendelstein 7-X and, in the future, ITER. Additionally, the material concepts and experimental methods developed within the scope of fusion research are also applied to renewable energy technologies.

Your Job:

• Conducting engineering design of a plasma facing component (PFC) based on Wf/W
• Collaborating closely with internal and external project partners from industry and research institutions to develop a PFC based on Wf/W, using spark plasma sintering (SPS) process
• Conducting microstructural and mechanical analyses of the tested components to assess damage and optimize material performance
• Performing laser shock and high-heat flux tests to simulate real fusion conditions
• Participating in project meetings and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams
• Publishing and presenting research findings in relevant scientific journals and at national and international conferences
• Contributing to the overall project goals of scaling up Wf/W production and integrating these materials into functional reactor components

Your Profile:

• A completed Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of material characterization, failure analysis, powder metallurgy, CAD and FEM modelling is advantageous
• High motivation to complete your PhD within 3 years and contribute to cutting-edge research
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills, with the ability to work as part of a team
• Very good command of English; German proficiency is an advantage

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
• 30 days of annual leave (depending on agreed working time arrangements) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.