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 the beam dynamics of lepton accelerator synchrotrons and colliders? Are you interested in taking an active role in the development of future accelerators for CERN and in particular of the Future Circular e+/e- collider (FCC-ee)? Join a dynamic team of applied physicists and have an impact in the design of FCC-ee, guide its optimisation and contribute to studies for other future particle colliders. Work at the heart of beam physics and operation, at the largest particle physics laboratory in the world: CERN. Take part!

You will join:

The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, which is part of the Beams department (BE) and in charge of beam performance over the complete CERN accelerator chain from the source to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). 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 Lepton Accelerators and Facilities (LAF) section provides expertise in the field of lepton accelerators design, commissioning and operation, including accelerator test facilities. It is responsible for theoretical, numerical and experimental studies on the beam dynamics of future lepton accelerators and colliders and the study and design of new acceleration experiments based on proton driven plasma wakefield acceleration and related EU projects.

Following the update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics, CERN investigates the technical and financial feasibility of a future hadron collider with a centre-of-mass energy of at least 100 TeV and with an electron-positron (e+/e-) Higgs and electroweak factory as a possible first stage. Strengthening the corresponding accelerator R&D is one of the key elements of this endeavor in the ABP group, in particular with respect to the accelerator physics and associated beam dynamics of e+/e- ring colliders.

Functions

As an Accelerator Physicist you will take part in the R&D efforts for the optics design and parameter optimisation of FCC-ee

You will:
-Contribute to the design of arc and interaction point collider optics, including synchrotron radiation effects, with the aim to achieve ultra-low emittance and vertical beta star, towards the target performance for all collider energies, parameters and options.
-Define optics correction and emittance tuning strategies, providing tolerances for alignment and magnetic field errors.
-Develop a flexible layout, integrating relevant systems such as injection, extraction, RF and collimation.
-Simulate and optimise the non-linear dynamics and in particular the off-momentum dynamic aperture, taking into account all relevant imperfections and effects and propose mitigation strategies and corrections.
-Possibly also contribute to the optics design of FCC-ee injector storage rings.

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 lepton particle accelerators.
-Experience of accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability in the field of optics design.
-Experience with single-particle dynamics simulation codes including the effect of synchrotron radiation.
-Experience with experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements for lepton rings.

The following experience would be considered an asset:

-Experience of massive numerical simulations with modern simulations codes.
-Experience with one of the following codes: MAD-X, SAD, ELEGANT, X-SUITE.

Technical competencies:

-Knowledge and application of single-particle dynamics (longitudinal/transverse)
-Knowledge and application of beam optics (rings and transfer lines)
-Knowledge and application of non-linear beam dynamics
-Knowledge and application of optics correction techniques
-Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance
-Simulation, design, and development of particle accelerators

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: Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
-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, or the willingness to learn it. 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.

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.