Description

This PhD will focus on the development of a new generation of smart insulators for High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) magnets, at the crossroads of functional materials, superconducting coil technology, and multiphysics modelling.
The project is strongly connected to the future of fusion energy, where HTS superconducting magnets are becoming increasingly strategic for next-generation high-field systems. The research is also relevant to the broader world of advanced superconducting technologies and large-scale scientific infrastructures.
The successful candidate will work on a highly interdisciplinary topic combining:
synthesis of novel smart insulating materials, with a strong focus on vanadium oxide-based materials (VxOy)
processing and integration of these materials in or around HTS superconducting coils
experimental characterization of their structural, electrical, thermal, and functional behaviour
COMSOL multiphysics modelling of electro-thermal behaviour, current redistribution, and protection-related phenomena in superconducting coils
The PhD will be hosted at GREEN lab in Nancy, with strong collaboration with functional materials activities at Université de Lorraine and with the materials synthesis laboratory at PSI (Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland).

Skills required

Desired profile Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field Strong interest in experimental research and/or multiphysics modelling Background in at least one of the following: materials synthesis/processing, functional oxides, superconducting materials, thermal/electrical characterization, finite-element simulation Good communication and scientific writing skills in English Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment French is a plus, but not mandatory

Bibliography

10.1109/TASC.2025.3645689

Keywords

MIT, Superconductor