The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The successful candidate will be a part of the Plasma Theory group.  We study the turbulent dynamics of laboratory, space and astrophysical plasmas using a mixture of kinetic theory, fluid modelling and advanced computing. 

The primary focus of this research post is to develop new theory and/or to conduct numerical simulations to study turbulent transport in tokamak plasmas.

 

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

 

•               An excellent contributory pension scheme

•               38 days annual leave

•               A comprehensive range of childcare services

•               Family leave schemes

•               Cycle loan scheme

•               Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•               Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

 

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working.

 

The Universities of Oxford, Strathclyde, Warwick and York, in collaboration with the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, are nearing the end of of a 5-year, EPSRC-funded programme to understand the fundamentals of turbulence in tokamak plasmas. A main objective of this programme is to identify advanced confinement configurations that will lead to compact fusion reactors. Key elements of the programme are the interaction between turbulence and flows, and the impact of the ratio of thermal pressure to magnetic field pressure (called the plasma beta).

As part of this programme, the Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics at the University of Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Plasma Theory for Fusion Energy. The successful candidate will develop new theory and/or conduct numerical simulations to study the turbulent transport observed in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas. Examples of the phenomena of interest are: the dependence of microstability and turbulent transport on plasma shaping, the observation of regions of reduced turbulence that are correlated with the presence of strong velocity shear, the recent numerical discovery of bistable turbulence and the transition to high transport states at high plasma beta. Explaining these complex observations will require a combination of analytical theory, computational work and physical intuition.

The post holder will likely have the opportunity to teach if he/she desires.  The post is available for a fixed-term duration through March 2024.  The start date is flexible but a date as soon as possible after the closing date for applications is preferable.

 

 

Applicants should hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD in physics or a related field.  Ideally, applicants would have a strong background in Plasma Theory, and previous experience with numerical methods for fluid dynamics and/or kinetic theory will be an advantage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to manage their own academic research, to contribute ideas for new research projects, and to communicate effectively.

 

 

You will be required to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a brief statement of research interests and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 7 June 2023