Applied Physicist in the field of Accelerators

Are you interested in the protection of the world's largest accelerator? Are you also interested to further improve the safe operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) with the actual 360 MJ beams, and to study and optimize protection schemes for upgrades of the LHC and other future accelerators? CERN, take part!
 

Applied Physicist in the field of Accelerators in the Technology Department (TE), Machine Protection and Electrical Integrity Group (MPE), Performance Evaluation Section (PE)

Within the TE Department, the MPE Group provides support to the operation of the accelerators and maintains state-of-the art technology for magnet circuit protection and interlock systems.

Avoiding accidental release of the energy stored in the beam or in the magnet system is one of the most challenging aspects in the operation of the LHC and in the design of future accelerators. Sophisticated and highly reliable protection systems are therefore required in order to safely operate such accelerators with beam energies exceeding 360 MJ and energies stored in the magnet system exceeding 1 GJ. Proper protection requires a thorough design of the protection architecture, based on detailed studies and simulations and finally realised using new techniques and sophisticated hardware. Safe protection is required through the entire operational cycle: during equipment tests, at injection, during operation with stored beam and during extraction.

As applied physicist in the TE-MPE-PE Section, you will:

• Analyse data from beam and magnet operation of the LHC in order to understand and assess the performance of the protection systems and take part in magnet training campaigns.
• Identify and study beam-related failure cases and derive specifications of protection systems for LHC upgrades and future accelerators.
• Participate in the R&D on beam-induced damage of accelerator equipment.
• Contribute to the activities to monitor and increase the reliability and availability of the LHC.
• Participate in the first-line operational support concerning the LHC protection systems (both beam and magnet circuit related), in close collaboration with equipment owners and teams involved in operation.
• Supervise and coach technical students, PhD students, and fellows.

Master's degree, PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics.

The experience required for this post is:

• Solid experience in the operation, and preferably in the protection, of particle accelerators.
• Strong background in the physics of particle accelerators.
• Experience in data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience in the field of high-current superconducting magnets and their quench protection will be an advantage.

The technical competencies required for this post are:

• Accelerator performance analysis and optimization.
• Accelerator operation: accelerators physics and operation.
• Particle tracking methods and techniques.
• Electromagnetic calculation and modelling.
• Beam injection and extraction methods, beam transfer and dumping: application of beam instrumentation.

The behavioural competencies required for this post are:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
• Solving problems: recognizing what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture; testing solutions for long-term suitability, cross-checking with all concerned before implementation.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information; cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical and structured manner; keeping to the point; listening actively to others and letting others speak.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

The language competencies required are:

• Spoken and written English: ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports, and/or to make oral presentations.
• Basic knowledge of French language or an undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

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 normally reach us no later than 22.04.2018.

By applying here, you allow CERN to consider your application for any position it considers relevant with respect to your profile. Please ensure you update your profile regularly with any relevant information and that you inform the recruitment service if you wish your file to be removed from the database.

We offer a limited-duration contract for a period of 5 years. Limited-duration contracts shall terminate by default on their date of expiry.

Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• A valid driving licence.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Read more about employment conditions