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

Application deadline: 25 April

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2026

For further details contact: Professor Eun-jin Kim

Introduction

Achieving reliable, high-performance fusion requires a predictive understanding of turbulence and instability dynamics at the tokamak edge, where fluctuations spread nonlocally 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.

Project details

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD as part of the UK Fusion Centre for Doctoral Training (Fusion CDT):

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.

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary

Benefits

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.

Entry requirements

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).

How to apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Professor Eun-jin Kim

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 500 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Apply to Coventry University