Postdoctoral Researcher in Numerical Methods for Low Temperature Plasmas (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced multi-scale numerical schemes and high-performance computing (HPC) simulations for multi-species reacting low-temperature plasmas. The system of equations is based on the method of moments, incorporating reacting and scattering collisions between multiple species. The focus is on electrostatic problems characteristic of Hall Thrusters (HTs) and Gridded Ion Thrusters (GITs), with particular emphasis on the stochastic energization of electrons.
The primary mission is to design numerical methods that address the challenges posed by:
• Wide ranges of space and time scales,
• Numerical integration of collisional terms in the moment equations.
• Study of the non-locality of the particles energisation with the proposed equations and numerical methods

Activity

1. The candidate will first perform scale analysis and regime identification (e.g., collision-dominated vs. advection-dominated, magnetized vs. non-magnetized, isotropic vs. anisotropic temperatures, high-Mach vs. low-Mach, and quasi-neutral vs. electrically-charged) for the novel set of equations. They will also design asymptotic-preserving (AP) numerical schemes to efficiently capture these regimes without requiring fine discretizations for all scales.

2. Additionally, the candidate will implement and validate the models within a high-performance, massively-parallel framework featuring cell-based Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR), with a focus on validation and verification of the schemes using relevant test cases.

3. Application of the developed models to the study of the stochastic heating of electrons.

Your Profil

Skills

• PhD in Applied Mathematics, Computational Physics, Plasma Physics or a related field with a strong background in numerical methods for PDEs.
• Experience in multi-scale modeling, hyperbolic-parabolic systems, and asymptotic-preserving schemes.
• Experience in kinetic equations of multi-species mixtures (including plasmas).
• Proficiency in high-performance computing (HPC) and parallel programming (e.g., MPI, OpenMP).
• Familiarity with plasma physics and electrostatics is a plus.
• Experience with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR), hybrid approaches and open-source scientific computing frameworks.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., C++, Python, Fortran).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Your Work Environment

he position is funded by the ERC Starting Grant HiMomPlas and will be based at the Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas (LPP), CNRS.
The candidate will join a dynamic team working at the intersection of numerical methods, plasma physics, and high-performance computing.
Access to state-of-the-art HPC resources and collaboration with international partners in the field of electric propulsion and plasma modeling.
The lab offers a stimulating scientific environment with opportunities for professional development and participation in conferences and workshops

Constraints and risks

N/A

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From €3,131.32 to €3,569.85 per month, depending on 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