Dr. Christian Theiler

Associate Professor

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Biography

Christian Theiler obtained his Master's degree in physics from ETH Zurich in 2007 and completed his PhD at EPFL in 2011. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at MIT on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak before returning to EPFL in 2014 as a EUROfusion fellow, contributing to the TCV tokamak team. He has been recognized as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Plasma Physics at EPFL. His research focuses on tokamak boundary physics and diagnostic techniques, significantly contributing to our understanding of the formation and control of turbulent plasma structures known as blobs, as well as insights into transport barriers in high-confinement regimes. His ongoing research addresses detachment physics and turbulence characteristics in diverse magnetic geometries. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2024 and has received several distinctions, including the EPFL Teacher Award in Physics (2025) and the Nuclear Fusion Journal Award (2020). He has also secured research grants, such as the SNSF Eccellenza Grant (2019-2023) and has been awarded fellowships recognizing his contributions to plasma physics.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

EPFL • Lausanne, Switzerland

Focus on tokamak boundary physics and diagnostic techniques.

Postdoctoral Associate

— Present

MIT • Cambridge, USA

Worked on Alcator C-Mod tokamak research.

Awards

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EPFL Teacher Award – Physics Section

#

Nuclear Fusion Journal Award

#

SNSF Eccellenza Grant

#

EUROfusion Enabling Research Grant

#

Young Scientist Award IUPAP Commission Plasma Physics

#

EUROfusion Postdoctoral Fellowship

#

SNSF Advanced Postdoctoral Mobility Grant

#

Finalist, EPFL Doctorate Award

#

Itoh Project Prize in Plasma Turbulence

Courses

General Physics: Fluids Electromagnetism Introduction to Plasma Physics

Requirements for École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field Strong foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability Proficiency in programming (Python, Java, or C++)
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Copy of University Degree(s)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Copy of Passport or Identity Card
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Standard requirements for Engineering and Basic Science Master's programs. Architecture requires an additional portfolio.