FRAMEWORK : Within the international framework of studies for next generation nuclear reactors (GEN IV, see http://www.gen-4.org/), supercritical CO2 is viewed as an attractive alternative to classical steam Rankine cycle or perfect gas like cycles to perform power conversion. Researches are therefore under progress at French CEA, to assess potential and feasibility of this type of cycle for Sodium cooled Fast Reactors.

SUBJECT: Study of the SCO2 thermodynamical cycle stability and operability by use and co-development of a reactor transient code.

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND: The candidate should ideally have a PhD in the fields of thermodynamics, thermal-hydraulic or nuclear engineering sciences.

SALARY: to be commensurate with qualification.

PERIOD: 2010-2012, to be defined following the candidate availability.

WELCOMING UNIT: French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA); Nuclear Energy Division (DEN); Reactor Research Department (DER). The post-doctoral position will take place at the innovative systems Research section which performs pre-conceptual studies on gas and sodium fast future reactors, in particular as regards fuel & systems designs as well as safety analysis.

LAST REFERENCES:
Alpy N., “CEA views as regards SCO2 cycle development priorities and related R&D approach”, RPI Symposium on SCO2 power cycle, 2009, Troy, USA.
Alpy N., “Status of SCO2 power cycle studies at CEA”, MIT Symposium on SCO2 power cycle, 2007, Boston, USA.

LOCATION:
Cadarache center: this research center, located in east south of France (at about 25 miles from the city of “Aix en Provence”) is active in fission and fusion fields. It has a great success while chosen as ITER construction site (fusion international prototype reactor). Hence, this opportunity of post-doctoral position will allow taking benefit of an international environment.

To apply: Laboratory head: David Plancq (david.plancq@cea.fr); Tel + 00 33 4 42 25 32 68
Technical contact: Nicolas Alpy (nicolas.alpy@cea.fr); Tel + 00 33 4 42 25 29 18
Mail address: Section of Innovative Systems Studies, Bât 212,
CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint Paul lez Durance Cedex, France.

CEA is a French government-funded technological research organisation. A prominent player in the European Research Area, it is involved in setting up collaborative projects with many partners around the world.