Postdoctoral position (M/F) focusing on the study of changes in the radiative properties of materials in nuclear fusion environments

Job Description

Missions

The main objective of this postdoctoral project is to gain a better understanding of variations in the emissivity of materials subjected to extreme conditions, in particular tungsten from tokamaks such as WEST. To this end, measurements taken on components subjected to high heat flux and specific conditions will be characterised from a structural, chemical and thermal perspective. The postdoctoral researcher will need to familiarise themselves with the scientific equipment required to carry out all these measurements. Initially, surface emissivity will be measured at the IUSTI laboratory using an existing test bench that will need to be upgraded, particularly to enable spectral emissivity measurements. Structural and spectroscopic surface analyses will then be carried out at the PIIM laboratory and on the electron microscopy platform. For the structural analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and possibly X-ray microtomography will be used to characterise the surface condition (deposits, crack networks, microcracks, etc.).
In the case of surface composition and the presence of oxide layers, EDX and Raman spectroscopy can be used. All these analyses will need to be carried out both on samples prepared in the laboratory—in particular to study the influence of the oxide layer thickness—and on components that have undergone transformations in the WEST tokamak. The aim of the thesis will be to establish a link between the changes in emissivity measured in situ (and retrospectively) and the plasma scenarios.

Activity

- Involvement in the preparation of specific samples sourced from the WEST tokamak or synthesised in the laboratory.
- Measurement of spectral emissivity as a function of temperature.
- Enhancement of the test bench's capabilities through the use of a high-temperature heating system, such as a laser

Your Profil

Skills

Strong skills in instrumentation and metrology, ability to implement instrumentation developments, experience in measuring radiative properties, knowledge of thermonuclear fusion, skills in data acquisition and analysis
Transversal skills: Team spirit, ability to work independently.
Qualifications required: PhD in instrumentation, physics, materials science, nuclear engineering, thermal engineering or energy engineering.

Your Work Environment

Description of the research unit: The work is carried out within the IUSTI laboratory, a joint CNRS-Aix-Marseille University research unit (UMR 7343). The laboratory focuses on engineering sciences, with research centred on mechanics and energy, and addresses issues relating to a wide range of applications in industry, the environment and healthcare

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Salary ranging from €3,131.32 to €4,341.70 for those with less than 7 years' experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions