What does it take to work at ITER?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the qualifications and intangibles necessary for working at ITER, a major international nuclear fusion research and engineering project. Participants explore various educational backgrounds, experiences, and the uncertain future of the project.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that maintaining relationships and collaborations is crucial for a career at ITER, especially considering potential project uncertainties.
  • There are differing opinions on whether a Ph.D. in High Energy Physics is necessary, with some arguing that expertise in other fields such as plasma physics, condensed matter physics, and computer science could also be relevant.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of ITER, questioning whether it will ultimately succeed.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of being a citizen of a contributing country for employment opportunities at ITER, particularly highlighting the employability of French and Swiss nationals.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of MHD Theory expertise for potential applicants, indicating a focus on specific areas of study for graduate school.
  • A participant humorously acknowledges a misunderstanding between ITER and CERN, indicating a need for clarity on the specific focus of each institution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the qualifications needed for working at ITER, with no clear consensus on the necessity of a High Energy Physics degree or the overall feasibility of the project.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the educational requirements and the nature of fusion energy are presented with varying degrees of certainty, and there are unresolved questions about the future of ITER and its workforce needs.

Fusiontron
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I've seen their job listings website. But really what are the intangibles that would help someone work at this magnificant place?
 
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Develop and maintain excellent and ongoing relations and if possible ongoing collaborations back home and outside interests for a path back when the project stalls/has crises/funding runs out/political disagreement/promotion blocked/your post has to be given to another nationality and even, it is within the bounds of possibility, the project succeeds on which case it will be closed. Aim for your experience there to be in technology of science with applications that are in demand widely, not limited to that project. Read up the story of JET and start thinking about your retirement or recycling.
 
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Will ITER even work?
 
navynuclear said:
Will ITER even work?

How could we possibly know that yet?
 
Fusiontron said:
I've seen their job listings website. But really what are the intangibles that would help someone work at this magnificant place?

My answer.. Get a Ph.D in High Energy Physics, do post doc research lecture some snot nosed kids, get published in some fancy physics journal, then maybe if the janitor suddenly drops dead. You can work at ITER.

To translate my answer, if you don't want to be the research lead then I don't see what any person with expertise and experience in a relevant field couldn't find a place there. Assuming the you are a citizen of a country that contributes to the project. French and Swiss nationals may be more employable.
 
Sounds reasonable. I know a couple guys who do indirect consulting work for ITER. As in, a couple really streched connections. Do you feel someone with expertise in MHD Theory would be a good fit? That seems to be the direction I'm going for when I apply for grad school.
 
One does not need a degree in high energy physics, because fusion takes place at relatively low energies (keV) range. The fusion reaction does produced particles with kinetic energies in the MeV range.

Plasma physics (including MHD) is one area of the technology. So are condensed matter physics, E&M, power conversion & electronics, computer science, . . . .
 
Astronuc said:
One does not need a degree in high energy physics, because fusion takes place at relatively low energies (keV) range. The fusion reaction does produced particles with kinetic energies in the MeV range.

Plasma physics (including MHD) is one area of the technology. So are condensed matter physics, E&M, power conversion & electronics, computer science, . . . .

I'm a dummy, I was thinking CERN not ITER. My foot tastes great.
 
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