KTH Royal Institute of Technology invites applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in fusion plasma physics and nuclear engineering within the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The PhD project focuses on the development of advanced modelling tools for simulations of runaway electron-induced plasma-facing component damage, supporting international efforts for the ITER fusion reactor.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) |
| Research Area | Fusion Plasma Physics and Nuclear Engineering / Electrical Engineering |
| Host Institution | KTH Royal Institute of Technology (School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Temporary (Up to 4 years) |
| Salary | Monthly salary based on KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement |
| Reference Number | PA-2026-3761 |
| Application Deadline | 24 December 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Student in Fusion Plasma Physics and Nuclear Engineering (Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering).
Research Area
The research position is situated at the intersection of fusion plasma physics, computational nuclear engineering, and materials science. It focuses on plasma-surface interactions, the transport of energetic runaway electrons into matter, and the predictive thermomechanical modelling of disruption-induced damage in prospective fusion devices such as ITER.
Location
Stockholm, Sweden (KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science).
Scholarship / Position Description
Providing plasma-facing components (PFCs) with adequate operational lifetimes represents one of the most critical engineering hurdles in developing viable fusion energy reactors. Intermittent disruptions can produce runaway electrons (REs) with megaelectronvolt (MeV) energies capable of severely degrading or destroying PFC materials.
This PhD project will focus on:
- Developing and validating computational modelling tools for simulations of RE-induced PFC damage against experimental benchmarks from the EUROfusion Consortium and the DIII-D tokamak (USA).
- Predictive modelling of dedicated ITER disruption scenarios in direct collaboration with the ITER Organization.
- Performing Monte Carlo calculations (e.g., GEANT4, PENELOPE, FLUKA) for MeV electron energy deposition into material surfaces.
- Implementing finite element method (FEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to characterize severe deformation, thermal degradation, and potential material explosion.
The position is fully funded, offering competitive employee benefits and standard monthly salaries under the Swedish collective agreement for doctoral researchers for up to four years of full-time study.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements
- A completed second-cycle degree (e.g., Master of Science) or completion of at least 240 higher education credits (with a minimum of 60 credits at the second-cycle level), or equivalent foreign qualifications.
- Solid programming proficiency in languages such as Fortran, Python, or C/C++.
- Proficiency in English corresponding to the Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Selection Criteria and Preferences
- Demonstrated familiarity with Monte Carlo particle-transport codes (e.g., GEANT4, PENELOPE, FLUKA).
- Familiarity with basic computational solid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods.
- High analytical capacity, perseverance, and strong collaboration abilities in an international environment.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the official KTH Varbi recruitment portal. Ensure the following certified documents are uploaded before the deadline:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic history, professional experience, and technical competencies.
- Cover Letter / Letter of Application: Explaining your academic interests, motivation for pursuing this doctoral program, and alignment with your long-term goals (maximum 2 pages).
- Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Certified copies of degree diplomas, course transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (with authorized translations into English or Swedish if originals are in another language).
- Publications / Master’s Thesis: Copies or abstracts with links to previous theses, scientific publications, or technical reports.
Last Date for Apply
Applications must be submitted no later than 24 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply for the KTH Doctoral Position
