Applied Superconductivity Scientist

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 Applied Physicist or Engineer on applied Superconductivity? Are you ready to join one of the world's largest team of superconducting specialists? Leave your mark by developing and measuring superconductors, superconducting cables and associated electrical devices that will improve the future superconducting magnets and transmission lines at the LHC, and beyond. CERN, take part!

You will join:
- The Magnets, Superconductors and Cryostats (MSC) Group of the Technology (TE) Department, which has the mandate to design, construct and measure the superconducting and normal conducting magnets for the CERN accelerator complex; integrates them into the CERN accelerator complex; designs and procures the magnet cryostats; performs the magnet quality control; provides support to the operation of the accelerators for magnets, magnet performance, devices (current leads); and develops associated technologies.
- The Superconductors and Devices (TE-MSC-SCD) Section, which is responsible for:
Superconducting materials, LTS and HTS, wires, tapes and cables for the CERN accelerator complex;
HTS Superconducting devices, e.g. current leads and electrical transfer lines;
Laboratories for characterization of superconducting materials;
Interventions in the LHC tunnel for aspects related to LHC superconducting powering equipment.

Functions
As an Applied Physicist or Engineer on Superconductors, you will join a team of scientists and technicians in the CERN TE-MSC-SCD Section, and work on the development, characterization, prototyping and procurement of superconductors, high-current superconducting cables and associated electrical devices.
You will:
- Take a leading role for the procurement of superconducting devices and components needed for the HL-LHC upgrade;
- Take responsibility for the characterization of superconducting materials, strands and cables at liquid helium temperature, including the definition of dedicated experiments on existing or new test installations, test program and analysis of test results;
- Be a driving and innovative force in the development and characterization of new types of superconductors, cables and devices for use in accelerators, seizing opportunities for applications of the new technologies to other fields;
- Take initiatives for, and drive collaborative projects with universities and laboratories worldwide, in the field of Applied Superconductivity for use accelerators;
- Take responsibility for the follow-up of procurement contracts with industry and laboratories world-wide: setting objectives, writing specifications, defining workplan and follow-up, including QA and QC;
- Participate in activities associated with the integration in the LHC underground areas of the novel superconducting transfer lines being developed for HL-LHC. The activity requires interfacing with CERN design team, conceive and discuss integration strategy, design and procure required equipment and tooling;
- Report on developments, design, manufacturing and test results, as well as progress in industrial contracts and collaborations, both in oral and written form, as required.

Qualifications
PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics, electrical engineering or a related field.

Experience:
- Proven experience in applied superconductivity, LTS and HTS materials and their applications, and specifically in relation with magnet technology;
- Electromechanical design and electromechanical construction of superconducting devices. Some experience in simulation and analysis in the field of applied superconductivity;
- Experience in the field of cryogenic test and measurements, involving superconductivity (materials and cables, magnets or other devices), data acquisition hardware and software.
- Knowledge of low temperature and high-field material properties.

Technical competencies:
- Knowledge and application of superconducting materials: in particular LTS and HTS superconductors for magnets and other applications, including analysis of production and test data;
- Design, modelling and measurement of superconductors for magnets: in particular electrical tests and characterization of LTS and HTS superconducting materials, wires, tapes, cables and other devices;
- Construction, test and installation of superconducting magnets and systems: in particular power transmission systems and other devices;
- Knowledge and application of cryogenic fluid and material properties;
- Knowledge and application of cryogenic thermometry and instrumentation: in particular instrumentation for characterization and qualification of LTS and HTS superconductors.

Behavioural competencies:
- Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely; seeking and integrating other points of view when tackling an issue; consulting experts in the field and undertaking benchmarking.
- Achieving results: dividing extensive work / projects into manageable sub-tasks with clearly defined milestones.
- Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer; being receptive to others' ideas and building on them.
- Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas; understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.

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