We are seeking an experienced researcher in experimental plasma physics, with a strong focus on wave heating and current drive systems.
You have substantial expertise in designing radio frequency (RF) and microwave-based heating systems for magnetic confinement plasma devices, along with a solid theoretical understanding of wave propagation in plasmas. Hands-on experience with the development and operation of plasma devices—such as tokamaks and linear plasma systems—is also essential.
In this role, you will lead plasma heating experimental research at DTU using RF and microwave technologies. This includes overseeing local plasma experiments, such as the NORTH tokamak and a linear plasma device, and contributing to the design and optimization of antennas for ion cyclotron heating and gyrotrons for electron cyclotron heating at external facilities.
Responsibilities and qualifications
You hold a PhD in plasma physics or a closely related field and possess a strong experimental background, including hands-on experience with microwave-based diagnostics. You have a proven track record in mentoring and supervising early-career researchers and have demonstrated successful collaboration with peers in your field. A track record of obtaining external funding and a strong publication record in leading journals is required, with evidence of broad impact.
Your primary objective will be to strengthen the department’s expertise in plasma heating. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the design, operation, and optimization of heating systems, including electron cyclotron (gyrotron-based), ion cyclotron, and lower hybrid systems—covering RF generation, transmission lines, and launchers.
- Conducting plasma experiments on tokamaks, stellarators, and linear devices, with a focus on heating mechanisms and the development of future experimental platforms.
- Securing research funding to support and expand activities in this domain.
- Supervising and inspiring students at all academic levels.
You must contribute to teaching at the Department. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.
As a formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:
- Research experience
- Experience and quality of teaching
- Research vision and potential
- International impact and experience
- Societal impact
- Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
- Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
- Communication skills
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The position is a full-time position.
The researcher position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the program and the recruitment process here.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Stefan Kragh Nielsen, [email protected].
You can read more about the section at www.ppfe.fysik.dtu.dk and about the department at www.fysik.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 3 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- Vision for teaching and research
- CV including employment history, list of publications (applicants applying for the position as senior researcher should indicate scientific highlights), H-index and ORCID (see http://orcid.org/)
- Teaching portfolio including documentation of teaching experience
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
- List of plasma experiments which you have been responsible for
You can learn more about the recruitment process here.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.