Mechanical/Radiofrequency Technician (Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavities) - (TTE Programme)

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.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

Job Description

Superconducting radio-frequency accelerating cavities are key elements in accelerators at CERN. In a world leading position in this technology, CERN conducts an intense R&D program in superconducting radiofrequency (RF) cavities based on high quality niobium thin films, deposited on copper substrates of the appropriate geometry and characteristics. This ambitious program aims at improving performances of present accelerators and thus open the way for future high energy machines.

In this framework, CERN's Superconducting Radiofrequency section (SRF) of the Radiofrequency group defines the required parameters and assesses the RF performances (maximum electromagnetic fields, quality factor) in dedicated cryogenic test stands. Large varieties of cutting-edge technologies are applied in the SRF facilities: clean room processing, handling and assembly; ultra-high vacuum technology; high precision mechanical assembly; operation in cryogenic conditions, and radio-frequency measurement.

You will integrate in the technical team of the SRF section, performing preparation, conditioning and cryogenic tests of superconducting radio-frequency cavities. All the technologies mentioned above are practiced by the whole team in the b.252 and SM18 facilities: you will have the possibility to gain training and valuable experience in all of these, under the supervision of experienced technicians and engineers. As a technician, you will also prepare quality documentation and be part of the R&D team of engineers and students.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (https://home.cern/about/member-states);
• You have a Technical Diploma (careers.cern/ttediplomas) in mechanical, instrumentation or RF measurements and no more than 4 years' relevant experience after finishing your diploma;
• If you are currently studying, you are still eligible to apply, although you are expected to have obtained your qualification by the start of your appointment at CERN;
• If you hold a BSc or MSc, you are not eligible. However you may be eligible for the Fellowship Programme.
• You should have at least a working knowledge of English OR French.

Additional Information

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.  In return, CERN will provide you with:

• An employment contract of one year, renewable for a second year; 
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend of 4599 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax);
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund;
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva;
• 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

Your future Life @CERN

Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at CERN: https://careers.cern/benefits and https://careers.cern/our-people

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned copy of your latest relevant qualification (or a screenshot of the latest academic transcript obtained if the diploma is not yet obtained);
• At least one reference letter (from a professor or previous employer) giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. This should be as broad as possible.
  • You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

All applications should normally reach us no later than 31.05.2022.