22 May 2025

A unique knowledge exchange opportunity for Swedish industry experts

Big Science Sweden is excited to share a valuable opportunity for our member companies to engage directly in one of Europe’s most advanced scientific collaborations: ITER.

Photo: ITER Organization

Swedish employees working on-site

Through the ITER Project Associate (IPA) scheme, employees from Swedish companies and institutes can be seconded to the ITER site in southern France for 1–2 years to work on technical assignments. This opens up an exceptional opportunity for Swedish experts to contribute to the global development of fusion energy, gain hands-on experience in a truly international setting, and bring new knowledge and skills back to their home organisations. 

What kind of work can an IPA do? 

IPAs take on non-managerial technical roles under the supervision of an ITER staff member. They can apply to existing openings or propose assignments in areas of mutual interest. Recent IPA opportunities have included roles in CAD design, corrosion engineering, and diagnostics system integration, highlighting the scheme’s focus on high-level engineering and specialist expertise. 

How does it work in practice? 

The participating company or institute (the Home Institute) continues to pay the employee’s salary and benefits during the secondment. ITER may provide additional financial support such as a living allowance, relocation support, or travel reimbursement, depending on the individual agreement. 

Getting started 

To participate, companies must have a cooperation agreement with ITER. Big Science Sweden can support interested organisations in exploring the process and connecting with the right people. 

For more information about the IPA scheme

Please visit ITER's dedicated webpage 
You’re also welcome to contact Amelie Hallin at Big Science Sweden

ITER is a global project to build the world’s largest Tokamak for research into fusion energy. Experiments at the facility will advance fusion science and prepare the way for the fusion power plants of tomorrow. ITER will be the first facility to integrate all the various technologies needed to operate a fusion reactor. 

This is a part of the project Careers in Big Science, aiming to increase the presence and Swedish influence on large-scale research infrastructures, and strengthen Sweden's expertise and industrial return. Careers in Big Science is fully funded by the Swedish Research Council.