Postdoctoral Researcher in Multiphysics Modelling of High-Temperature Superconductor Quench Protection

Postdoctoral Researcher in Multiphysics Modelling of High-Temperature Superconductor Quench Protection

University of Turku

Turku, Finland

€ 3700 - € 4000 per month

About the SmartHiTS project

High-temperature superconductors such as YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) enable compact, energy-efficient magnets for fusion reactors, particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging, and energy-storage systems. A sudden loss of superconductivity, known as a quench, can nevertheless cause rapid overheating and catastrophic coil failure. SmartHiTS aims to develop self-protecting YBCO tapes whose microstructure and conductor architecture are deliberately engineered to control and mitigate quench behaviour.

The project links microscopic material properties to macroscopic quench dynamics through thin-film growth, advanced characterization, cryogenic testing, multiphysics modelling, and prototype validation. It will investigate varied YBCO microstructures and current-diverter concepts, develop predictive FEM and machine-learning surrogate models, and support the upscaling of prototype tapes with collaborators.

Role and research focus

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the project's FEM and multiphysics simulation activities, working in close collaboration with experimental researchers. The principal objective is to develop and validate models that reveal how material properties, interfaces, and conductor architectures influence quench initiation, current redistribution, thermal propagation, and protection performance.

The role contributes centrally to the project's modelling work package and connects it to the experimental development of current diverters and to prototype-scale validation. The researcher will also act as the principal scientific contact with Quanscient Oy and participate in international collaborations.

Main responsibilities

• develop, implement, and document FEM and multiphysics models for quench behaviour in YBCO high-temperature superconducting tapes and coils;
• parameterize and validate models using data generated by the project's experimental work packages;
• simulate current diverters;
• identify conductor and wire architectures that prevent quenches or reduce their consequences;
• analyse simulation results, quantify uncertainty and limitations, and translate findings into experimentally testable design recommendations;
• work closely with experimentalists and prototype collaborators throughout model development and validation;
• serve as the project's main scientific contact with Quanscient;
• prepare high-quality scientific publications and present results at international meetings; and
• contribute, where appropriate, to supervision of doctoral and master's students.

Expected outputs

• validated FEM and multiphysics models linking YBCO material parameters and conductor architecture to quench behaviour;
• design rules and optimized superconducting-wire structures for quench prevention, mitigation, and self-protection;
• simulation evidence supporting the experimental selection of current-diverter architectures;
• documented, reproducible modelling workflows and datasets suitable for later surrogate-model development; and
• peer-reviewed publications and contributions to project reporting and dissemination.

Qualifications and selection criteria

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in physics, engineering, computational materials science, or another field relevant to the position, demonstrate the ability to conduct independent scientific research, and possess the teaching skills required for the position. The doctoral degree must be completed by the end of the application period.

Essential expertise

• strong knowledge of finite-element methods and multiphysics simulation;
• sound knowledge of superconductivity and superconducting materials;
• evidence of research experience and scientific publications involving FEM modelling of superconducting systems or closely related coupled thermal-electromagnetic problems;
• the ability to develop, validate, troubleshoot, and critically assess computational models independently;
• strong analytical and scientific writing skills; and
• fluency in written and spoken English.

Additional merits

• experience with Quanscient Allsolve or a comparable multiphysics modelling environment;
• previous research on quench initiation, propagation, detection, or protection;
• experience with high-temperature superconducting tapes, coils, or conductor architectures;
• programming and scientific data-analysis skills;
• experience with reduced-order, surrogate, or machine-learning models;
• experimental experience sufficient to understand measurement constraints, parameter uncertainty, and validation limitations; and
• demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, plan work against project milestones, communicate progress clearly, and follow responsible research practices.

Applications will be assessed on relevant scientific achievements, technical competence, independence, collaboration skills, motivation, and the overall fit between the applicant’s profile and the project needs.