KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship as a Doctoral student in fusion plasma physics and nuclear engineering at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The successful applicant will work on advanced modeling and simulation tools for runaway-electron-induced damage to plasma-facing components in fusion reactors, collaborating closely with international facilities including ITER and EUROfusion.
PhD Scholarship: Doctoral Student in Fusion Plasma Physics and Nuclear Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Overview & Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | KTH Royal Institute of Technology |
| School/Department | School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Position / Scholarship) |
| Research Area | Fusion Plasma Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Temporary (up to 4 years) |
| Application Deadline | December 24, 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Student / PhD Candidate (Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering)
Research Area
The position is focused on Fusion Plasma Physics and Nuclear Engineering, specifically involving:
- Plasma-facing components (PFCs) lifetime and damage assessment.
- Physics of runaway electrons (RE) and disruption consequences in tokamaks.
- Monte Carlo simulations of MeV runaway electron energy deposition into matter.
- Thermomechanical modeling utilizing Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- Validation against experimental data from the EUROfusion Consortium, DIII-D (USA), and predictive modeling for ITER scenarios.
Location
Stockholm, Sweden (KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Scholarship Description
The provision of plasma-facing components (PFCs) with sufficient lifetime is one of the most critical challenges in realizing commercial fusion energy. Recently, PFC damage caused by runaway electrons has become a central concern in disruption impact assessments.
As a doctoral student on this project, you will develop numerical tools to simulate RE-induced material damage, model severe material deformation and potential explosion, and benchmark these models against global tokamak experiments. The position provides extensive collaboration with the Experiments & Plasma Operation Section of the ITER Organization under the supervision of Prof. S. Ratynskaia.
The position is fully funded according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement, including comprehensive employee benefits, standard social security, and health coverage provided by the Swedish higher education system for full-time doctoral researchers.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Completed a second-cycle degree (e.g., Master’s degree), OR
- Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level, OR
- Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside Sweden.
Specific Requirements & Technical Skills
- Demonstrated programming proficiency in languages such as Fortran, Python, or C/C++.
- Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on their ability to:
- Conduct research independently and collaborate effectively in an international team.
- Demonstrate familiarity with Monte Carlo techniques for electron transport in matter (e.g., GEANT4, PENELOPE, FLUKA).
- Demonstrate understanding of basic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational solid mechanics techniques.
- Approach complex physical and mathematical issues with strong problem-solving abilities.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the KTH recruitment system. Ensure that your application includes all required documents:
- CV: Detailing relevant academic, technical, and professional experience.
- Application Letter: A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining your academic interests, research goals, and why you want to pursue doctoral studies in this area.
- Diplomas and Transcripts: Certified copies of previous university degrees and academic transcripts. English or Swedish translations are required if the originals are in another language.
- Language Proficiency: Documented proof of meeting English proficiency requirements.
- Publications/Reports: Copies of representative publications, Master’s thesis, or technical reports (include an abstract and web link for long documents).
Last Date for Apply
The closing date for applications is December 24, 2026 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time).
Apply Link
For more details and to submit your application online, visit the official vacancy announcement: Apply for Doctoral Student in Fusion Plasma Physics and Nuclear Engineering at KTH
