Applications are invited for a PhD position at the Materials Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences,  Institute for Plasma Physics, and Tsinghua University. The position is available for three years from 1 December 2011 and is funded through the Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC).
 
SDC is a joint project on education and research between the eight Danish universities, the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (GUCAS) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The overall aim of SDC is to promote and strengthen collaboration between Danish and Chinese research and learning environments for the benefit of both countries. Renewable Energy has been identified as a key topic for the SDC cooperation and fusion technology has been selected as sub theme.

Research area and project description
One of the key issues in building future fusion reactors is the selection and development of materials being able to withstand the high temperatures as well as the high mechanical and radiation load which will alter the microstructures of the materials. The PhD project will focus on microstructural property relationships of materials relevant for fusion reactors.

Tungsten and tungsten alloys are considered as preferred candidates for the plasma facing first wall material of fusion reactors. In service, the materials have to withstand high temperature and radiation loads which alter the microstructure of the material. The continuous replacement of the instable microstructure leads to degradation of the materials properties, e.g. loss in strength and embrittlement. The aim of the project is to investigate the thermal stability of differently processed tungsten and alloys with focus on understanding thermal effects and the mechanisms relevant for property degradation as loss of strength and reduction of life span.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in materials science and engineering, physics or chemistry or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Experience with microstructural characterization (optical and electron microscopy) and mechanical testing is an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program Construction, Production, Civil Engineering and Transport at DTU and in parallel at the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Science. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide. 

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The place of work is Risø DTU in Roskilde. At least half a year will be spent  at the CAS Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Wolfgang Pantleon, pawo@risoe.dtu.dk, +45 4677 5791.

Application
We must have your online application by 31 October 2011. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach the following documents;

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae including publication list
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Applications are accepted before obtaining the MSc degree, but the PhD position cannot be started before the MSc degree is awarded. Documentation for final thesis and date of examination must be enclosed in the application. 

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.