Modelling of Self‐Organised Edge Turbulence in Tokamak Plasmas

Intelligent Modelling of Self‑Organised Edge Turbulence in Tokamak Plasmas

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – 4 years

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Achieving reliable, high-performance fusion requires a predictive understanding of turbulence and instability dynamics at the tokamak edge, where fluctuations spread non locally and strongly influence pedestal structure, confinement, and the approach to disruptive events. These processes are difficult to diagnose experimentally and too computationally intensive to model in real time with first-principles simulations, motivating new approaches that blend physics-based modelling with modern AI.

• Can we understand and control turbulence in fusion plasmas?
• Fusion offers a clean, virtually limitless energy source — but turbulent transport in high-temperature plasmas remains a major challenge.
• This project will investigate the physics of turbulence at the edge of tokamak plasmas, developing models to better understand and predict complex plasma behaviour. Data-driven methods (including machine learning) may be used to support and enhance these models.
• No prior experience in all areas is required — full training provided through the Fusion CDT.

You will:

• Study plasma physics and turbulence
• Develop and apply computational models
• Join a national training cohort and collaborate with partners including NTU, KSTAR team, and Deakin University
• Backgrounds welcomed: physics, mathematics, engineering, and other related field.

Tuition fees and bursary

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 4 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

Priory Street
Coventry CV1 5FB

United Kingdom