Research Scientist, Applied Machine Learning For Fusion Energy

Are you passionate about the combination of Fusion Energy research, Machine Learning, and AI, and looking for a new job opportunity in the field? Do you want to build an excellent science career and work at the interface of the academy and industry? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-art research facilities with superb colleagues? VTT might be just the place for you. 

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning, and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our time and turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2300 brilliant minds focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra.

We are now looking for a Research Scientist to join our Fusion Energy and Decommissioning team.

As a Research Scientist, you have a role in advancing the Fusion Energy research through the application of Machine Learning and artificial intelligence. The main fields of research include developing and applying Machine Learning algorithms for Fusion Energy applications, such as surrogate modelling of complex physics simulators and representation Learning for large experimental databases. In this position, you will conduct independent and collaborative research, perform large-scale analyses of data from prominent fusion devices, and present your findings through research reports and international conferences.
Our team, Fusion Energy and Decommissioning, leverages advanced Machine Learning techniques to address critical challenges in Fusion Energy research. We support VTT's mission to solve global challenges by developing innovative algorithms and analysing large datasets from the world's leading fusion devices, contributing to sustainable and efficient Fusion Energy solutions. 

As a Research Scientist, you will:

• Conduct research, both independently and with team members, on the application and development of Machine Learning algorithms for Fusion Energy research applications, such as surrogate modelling of computationally demanding physics simulators and representation Learning for large experimental databases.

• Perform large-scale analysis of experimental and simulation databases from large fusion devices such as JET, ST40 in the UK, ASDEX Upgrade in Germany, and the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in the USA.

• Prepare data for Machine Learning applications.

• Write research reports and peer-reviewed publications in clear English and disseminate your results to the international fusion and Machine Learning research community at major international conferences.

• Complete a doctoral degree. 

We expect you to have:

• A Master's degree in a field relevant to magnetic confinement Fusion Energy.

• Previous experience in magnetic confinement Fusion Energy research, including experimental data analysis.

• Previous experience in data science applications.

• Willingness to travel and participate in data science related activities in fusion laboratories internationally.

• Excellent English language skills.

• Willingness to learn new skills in areas such as innovative applications of Machine Learning approaches to facilitate Fusion Energy research.

• Knowledge of one or more scientific programming languages, such as Fortran or Python.

• Knowledge of at least one of the open source Machine Learning libraries, such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.

• Knowledge of different Machine Learning approaches and appropriate applications.

• Familiarity with fusion industry or private fusion enterprises is considered as an advantage. 

As a person, we hope that you are:

• Open-minded, eager to learn new things and interested in research and science, and able to work in an international environment.

• Good in collaboration with a natural and professional attitude.

• Willing to solve challenges and problems in an innovative way.

With VTT, you’ll enjoy:

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering, from next-generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems, and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating a real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope.
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects locally and internationally. At VTT, you'll have state-of-the-art research facilities, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano-, and quantum technologies.  
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us for over ten years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. Read more about our organisational culture as the builder of the world's most meaningful place to work.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture excellent team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work-life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays annually (after one year of work), we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation and cognitive ergonomics training.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and application with your salary request via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 23 June 2024. We will process applications as they come in and fill the position as soon as we find the right candidate. A security clearance procedure may be conducted during the recruitment process.

Interested and want to know more?

For further information, please contact project manager, Aaro Järvinen, +358 50 345 8857, aaro.jarvinen@vtt.fi or the head of the Finnish Fusion Research Unit, Tuomas Tala, +358 40 544 8984, tuomas.tala@vtt.fi.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply between 10 June 2024 and 23 June 2024 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

VTT

VTT is a visionary research, development and innovation partner. We drive sustainable growth and tackle the biggest global challenges of our time and turn them into growth opportunities. We go beyond the obvious to help the society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We have 80 years of experience of top-level research and science-based results. VTT is at the sweet spot where innovation and business come together.

VTT – beyond the obvious.