Nordita, the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics in Stockholm, Sweden, invites applications for post-doctoral fellowships in theoretical physics. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2012. Appointments are for two years starting September 1, 2013 or some other date to be agreed upon. The fellowships are intended for scientists who have a recent PhD, completed less than 5 years before the starting date of the fellowship, and wish to carry out research in fields represented at Nordita. Candidates working in other areas will be considered when it is scientifically justified.

Research at Nordita covers a wide range of modern theoretical physics including astrophysics and astrobiology, atomic physics, biological physics, condensed matter physics, gravitation and cosmology, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, and statistical physics. The research activity of the local academic staff is supplemented by Nordita Scientific Programs, which bring together groups of leading experts to work on specific topics for extended periods. There is also ample opportunity for collaboration with faculty and research staff at local universities. Further information about Nordita can be found at http://www.nordita.org

Application deadline: November 15, 2012.

Only online applications will be accepted. The application procedure is posted on http://apps.nordita.org

Axel Brandenburg

(from Alban Potherat, Coventry, UK)

Applications are invited for a PhD position in experimental fluid mechanics at The Grenoble High Magnetic Field Laboratory (GHMFL, Grenoble, France), under a co-tutelle agreement with Coventry University (UK). The subject is the experimental investigation of turbulence in liquid metals under the influence of very high magnetic fields. Turbulence is one of the major remaining challenge from classical physics. This work will target the mechanisms of the transition between the two and three-dimensional states of turbulence. This hot question of fundamental fluid mechanics has direct implications for several modern problems such as the optimisation of heat extraction in future nuclear fusion reactors, or the challenge posed by the dynamo effect that is responsible for the existence and the dynamics of the magnetic field of the Earth, but also on the dynamics of oceans and atmospheres.

The PhD student will take part in an experimental project headed by A. Potherat, where liquid metal turbulence is generated in a closed vessel placed within a large magnet hosted at the GHMFL, in Grenoble, who delivers some of the highest magnetic fields in the world. Since magnetic fields mainly push the flow towards two-dimensional states, they provide a convenient way to control the 2D-3D transition, so as to analyse its mechanisms in detail. The flow is diagnosed using advanced metrology techniques such as Ultrasound velocimetry and electric potential velocimetry. The student will be in charge of running the next phase of this experiment and analysing the results.

Successful applicants should hold a Master or Engineering degree with a solid background in fluid mechanics, and be highly motivated by the conduct of highly technical projects. The PhD student will be attached to CoventryUniversity’s Post-GraduateSchool but based in Grenoble (France) with a few trips to the UK every year. The PhD student will receive a grant of approximately 17k Euros per annum, entirely free of tax or any other deductions.

A good command or either French or English is an essential requirement. Applicants should address their CV, a recent set of marks/rankings and the name of at least one referee to Dr. Alban Potherat, CoventryUniversity (alban.potherat(at)coventry.ac.uk). Please note that only EU citizens are eligible.

Informal inquiries are welcome, please contact Alban Potherat (+44(0)2476 88 88 65), or Francois Debray, LNCMI francois.debray(at)lncmi.cnrs.fr +33(0)476 88 12 44

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