Applied Physicist in Machine Protection for Accelerators

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:
Joining the Technology Department, you will work in the MPE group responsible for a variety of protection and interlock systems for magnets and particle-beam related equipment - the so-called Machine Protection Systems - across CERN's accelerator complex.

You will closely follow the operation of the CERN accelerators with special focus on the LHC and assess the performance of the machine protection systems, identify and study failure cases for current and future accelerators and derive in close collaboration with hardware developers specifications for protection systems to mitigate critical failure cases.

Furthermore, you will study the damage limits of accelerator equipment due to beam impact with the help of simulations and dedicated experiments.

See also: https://mpe.web.cern.ch

Functions:
As applied physicist in the Controls and Beam Studies for Protection Section team, you will:
- Analyse data from the LHC beam operation to understand and assess the performance of the protection systems;
- Participate in the first-line operational support concerning the LHC protection systems, in close collaboration with equipment owners and teams involved in operation;
- Identify and analyse failure cases and consequently derive specifications for protection systems for LHC upgrades and future accelerators;
- Participate in the R&D on beam-induced damage on accelerator equipment and the interaction of dust macro particles with the circulating beam;
- Supervise students and graduates.

Qualifications:
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics or a related field.

Experience:
- Extensive experience in the operation and protection of particle accelerators.
- Demonstrated experience in physics and control systems for particle accelerators.
- Proven experience in data acquisition and analysis.
- Experience in the field of electrodynamics as well as design, setup, and performance of experiments at particle accelerators would be an asset.

Technical competencies:
- Operation of accelerators: with special focus on machine protection and machine protection systems.
- Knowledge and application of accelerator physics theory
- Knowledge and application of particle tracking methods and techniques
- Knowledge and application of instrumentation and measurement techniques: for high energy charged particle beams.
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: : c++ and Python.

Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind Being rigorous and producing quality results at first attempt
- Solving Problems: recognizing what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture Being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes
- Working in Teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals. Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities
- Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements Readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working

Language skills:
English spoken and written, with the ability to draw-up specifications, reports, and to make oral presentations. The ability to understand and speak French or an undertaking to acquire it would be an advantage.

Additional Information/Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity, https://diversity-and-inclusion.web.cern.ch/, 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, https://home.cern/about/who-we-are/our-governance/member-states.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 11.11.2022 at midnight CET.

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:
- Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- A valid driving licence is required.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.