Accelerator Physicist

Accelerator Physicist (BE-ABP-LAF-2022-42-LD)

• Geneva, Switzerland Contract

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an Accelerator Physicist or Engineer experienced in accelerator beam commissioning and operation, and interested in working in an exciting international environment at the forefront of modern science? Would you like to work on the CERN Linear Electron Accelerator for Research (CLEAR) accelerator-based user facility? Then Take Part and join the team that help to deliver unique electron beams for multidisciplinary experimental investigations to researchers from all over the world!

You will join:

The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, part of the Beams department (BE), responsible for beam performance for all CERN accelerators. The Group provides input and support for machine operations and carries out Research & Development (R&D) activities on future projects and novel acceleration techniques.

The Lepton Accelerators and Facilities (LAF) section provides expertise in the field of lepton accelerators design, commissioning and operation, including accelerator-based facilities.

The operation of an accelerator-based user facility at the leading edge of technology requires continuous improvements and optimization of beam parameters and active interfacing with a wide user community. You will play a leading role in the experimental activities ongoing in the CLEAR facility.

Functions

As Accelerator Physicist, you will coordinate the operation of the facility and contribute to the management of the activities related to experimental studies on advanced accelerator R&D and medical applications carried out in CLEAR using electron beams. This includes beam performance optimization tasks, coordination of technical activities, design and realization of experimental set-ups, beam operation and beam delivery to users.

You will:                                                                                                             

• Operate the CLEAR facility and lead its operation team.
• Coordinate the activities needed to adapt the CLEAR beam line to accommodate user experiments and to carry out the corresponding tests, as well as the technical upgrades and consolidation of the main hardware systems of the facility.
• Lead the re-commissioning of the accelerator after technical stops and shutdowns, and the preparation of specific beams for the different experiments.
• Participate to the CLEAR Technical Board and act as a link between the CLEAR facility and external users.

After a period of familiarisation, you will:

• Specify, design and/or develop tools to optimise and automate operation in collaboration with the other teams in the accelerator complex.
• Identify new user requirements on beam parameters, study limitations of the CLEAR accelerator performance and plan the necessary medium or long-term improvements. 
• Design and conduct beam development activities in the CLEAR facility to validate the concepts developed.
• Contribute to the definition of the facility experimental program and its long-term evolution.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of physics or engineering or a related field.

Experience:

The requirements for this position are:

• Demonstrated experience in the running of particle accelerators, preferably electron linear accelerators.
• Established experience of accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability in the field of beam commissioning and performance optimization of existing accelerator facilities.
• Experience with development of accelerator hardware and its handling and troubleshooting.
• Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.

The following items would be considered an asset:

• Experience with design and installation of experimental set-ups.
• Experience on software development for accelerator operation.
• Experience on the use of beam instrumentation, beam measurement techniques and electron beam dosimetry.

Technical competencies:

• Operation of accelerators
• Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance
• Knowledge and application of accelerator physics theory
• Operation and support of experimental facilities
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving problems: Finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available. Being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.
• Achieving results: Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Demonstrating flexibility: Readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Bringing the best out of people: Encouraging ideas and initiatives from others; fostering collaboration and team cohesion.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than 12 midday CET on Thursday 12th May 2022. 

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-LAF-2022-42-LD