A prestigious 3-year PhD scholarship is available at the Laboratoire de Physique (ENS de Lyon) in France. This position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge experimental research on centrifugal instabilities and turbulent transport in magnetized plasma columns, with strong connections to astrophysical phenomena.
PhD Scholarship in Experimental Plasma Physics, CNRS, France
Key Information
| Detail | Description |
| Position / Designation | FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis |
| Research Area | Atoms and molecules, optics and lasers, hot plasmas |
| Duration | 36 months |
| Monthly Remuneration | €2,300 gross |
| Annual Leave & RTT | 44 days |
| Location | 69364 LYON 07, Rhône, France |
| Application Deadline | August 1, 2026 (23:59) |
| Expected Date of Hire | September 7, 2026 |
Research & Job Description
The PhD candidate will experimentally characterize centrifugal instabilities and associated turbulent transport in the Von Kármán plasma experiment (a 1-meter-long, 20-cm-diameter plasma column). The project focuses on understanding how ion magnetization and neutral collisions influence these instabilities.
The provisional timeline for the 3-year project includes:
- Year 1: Developing and characterizing plasma rotation control techniques using highly emissive cathodes and a new microwave-based ionization source.
- Year 2: Achieving precise experimental descriptions of plasma rotation speeds and equilibrium profiles (collaborating with the LAPLACE team in Toulouse).
- Year 3: Probing the dynamics of large-scale structures via high-speed imaging of spontaneous plasma light emission and electrostatic probes to map turbulent transport.
Collaborative Environment
This thesis is part of a joint research program. The student will collaborate closely with research groups in Toulouse (Laplace and IRAP) and Marseille (PIIM). The findings will also contribute to understanding similar plasma dynamics observed in astrophysical objects, specifically the magnetospheres of gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Level: BAC+5 (Master’s degree or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field).
- Background: Strong foundation in plasma physics, experimental physics, or fluid mechanics.
- Physical Presence: Due to the experimental nature of the project, this position requires on-site work at the Monod campus of the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon and is not compatible with remote work.
- Note: This offer is open to candidates with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official CNRS employment portal.
- Go directly to the official job listing: CNRS Job Offer – UMR5672-NICPLI-001.
- Click the Apply button on the portal to submit your CV and application details.
Last Date to Apply: 01 August 2026 (23:59 French Time)
