The PIIM laboratory proposes several doctoral theses, over three years, for the period 2023/2026.
These theses are part of the preparation of a doctoral degree at the University of Aix-Marseille.

The thesis topics are available below and on the website of the “Physics and Matter Sciences” doctoral school (ED 352 – choose PIIM laboratory)

• Applications of Machine Learning to fusion plasmas emission spectroscopy for predictions and diagnostics improvements
• Study of negative-ion surface production and extraction in low-pressure plasmas: application to fusion
• Data Driven High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Analysis for Future Space Missions (with a co-funding from CNES already secured)
• Plasma sheath ion velocity distribution function measurements in the presence of secondary electron emission by laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic
• Multiscale Modelling of a Metalic Interface, Diffusion of Hydrogen in the Materials for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) version FR

To apply, read the subjects and, from now, contact directly the supervisors whose names and contacts are mentioned on the subjects.At this stage, you will have to provide all or part of a file including a CV, a letter of motivation, a transcript of your master’s grades and honors, letters of recommendation from the person in charge of the program and the person in charge of the master’s internship, and copies of your diplomas.

The selection process will take place in two stages.

First, the applications will be examined internally at the laboratory level. This selection must be completed by the lab on April 3, 2023 ; so apply as soon as possible. Several applications will be selected, each on a different topic, to advance to the second phase of selection.

In the second phase, the selected candidates will be presented by the laboratory to the doctoral school and will have to defend their candidacy in front a jury composed by the doctoral school. The laboratory will help the selected candidates to prepare this audition, which will take place by videoconference via Zoom at the end of May 2023.

The result of this selection will be communicated to the candidates probably at the beginning of June by the doctoral school.

The successful candidates will be offered a 3-year work contract with Aix-Marseille University. This contract will start between October 1 and December 1, 2023, and will of course be conditional first on obtaining the master’s degree and then on renewing the doctoral registration for each of the next three years.

The thesis will take place at the PIIM laboratory, on the Saint-Jérôme site, in Marseille, where the laureates will come to work every day for 3 years.

The selected persons will thus have a double status. They will be both students and staff of the university:

As students, they will have to register at the university and pay tuition fees each year, which in 2023 will amount to €380, to which must be added an annual student and campus life contribution (CVEC) of €95. These amounts are subject to re-evaluation each year by French State. As a student, it may be possible to obtain housing through the CROUS and to access university restaurants at student rates.

As a university employee, a salary of €1975 gross per month (i.e. approximately €1622 net) will be paid and in return the doctoral student will be subject to the rights and obligations of all public employees. This salary will be revised according to the measures taken by the State to reach 2300 € gross monthly in 2025. It could possibly be increased by the exercise of a complementary mission of teaching, diffusion of scientific culture or expertise.

The preparation of the doctorate thus constitutes at the same time a training and a professional experience.

The PIIM laboratory brings a particular attention to the reception and the follow-up of the PhD students who work there. It implements its means in order to make this period as attractive and fruitful as possible.