Accelerator Physicist

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 dynamics or optics, and interested in working in an exciting international environment at the forefront of modern science? Would you like to work on the LHC injector complex? Then Take Part and join one of the teams that help to deliver unique particle beams used by physicists from all over the world to answer questions at the heart of particle physics!

You will join:

The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, part of the Beams department (BE), in charge of beam performance over the complete CERN accelerator chain, from the source to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), for maximising its performance. The Group carries out Research & Development (R&D) activities on the upgrade of the LHC and its injectors, on the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), Future Circular Colliders (FCC) and Muon Collider study, as well as on novel acceleration techniques (AWAKE).

The Linear and Non-linear Optics (LNO) Section is in charge of theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies of optics, and linear and non-linear single-particle effects, affecting the performance of present and future synchrotrons.

The design of new accelerators at the high-intensity and high-energy frontier and the performance optimization of existing ones requires the development of accurate and predictive models of beam dynamics and optics. You will play a key role in the development and simulation tools associated to these studies.

Functions

As Accelerator Physicist in the BE-ABP-LNO Section, you will participate in the activities related with optics studies for the CERN Accelerators, their upgrade, and future machines. This includes activities on optics design and optimization, numerical simulations, measurements in the existing CERN machines, calculation of optics corrections and accelerator code development.

You will:

-Contribute to the maintenance and development of the optics models and repository for the CERN hadron injector rings.
-Study and optimize operational conditions for the hadron injector rings to improve their performance aided by beam dynamics simulations.
-Provide optics support to other CERN present and future synchrotrons and colliders including the LHC and its high-luminosity upgrade.

After a period of familiarisation you will:
-Identify fundamental limitations in the LHC injector rings' performance and plan medium or long-term improvements.
-Contribute to the definition of operational conditions in Run 4 and to the optimization of the performance reach, including beam-based optimizations.
-Design and conduct experiments in the existing CERN synchrotrons to validate the concepts developed.

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 of working in a scientific environment, preferably in the design and/or operation of particle accelerators.
-Experience of accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability in the field of optics design.
-Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.
-Experience with development of single-particle beam dynamics simulation codes.

The following items would be considered an asset:
-Experience with one of the following codes: MAD-X (see here http://madx.web.cern.ch/madx/), SixTrack (see here http://sixtrack-ng.web.cern.ch/sixtrack-ng/).
-Experience with beam commissioning and performance optimization of existing accelerator facilities.

Technical competencies:
-Simulation, design and development of (part of) particle accelerators.
-Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance.
-Knowledge and application of single-particle dynamics.
-Knowledge and application of non-linear beam dynamics.
-Knowledge and application of optics correction techniques.

Behavioural competencies:
-Achieving results: Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
-Solving problems: Assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
-Working in teams: 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/structured manner; keeping to the point.
-Demonstrating accountability: Taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.

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. The willingness to learn the other language rapidly.

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 normally reach us no later than noon CET 29th November 2021.

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 during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
-Work in radiation-controlled areas when required by the needs of the Organization.