Applied Physicist for FCC R&D (TE-VSC-SCC-2025-57-GRAP)

Job Description

About the group:

The Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group within the Technology (TE) Department is responsible for the entire lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems at CERN, from development and design to installation, operation, and maintenance. We operate facilities for the measurement of vacuum performance and compatibilities of materials and surface technologies, as well as for thin film coating, surface finishing, and vacuum-related physical and chemical characterization.

These activities are in line with the needs of the FCC-ee project, for which we need to quantify the photon stimulated desorption induced by the strong synchrotron radiation illumination of the vacuum chambers' walls.

Your responsibilities:

As an Applied Physicist, your main activities will consist of:

Vacuum systems development at CERN:

• Plan and perform measurement campaigns for particle accelerator vacuum components;
• Perform simulations of synchrotron light distribution using SynRad and vacuum conditions using MolFlow to support the design of test objects, define experimental parameters, and to perform data analysis;
• Assemble and pre-align prototype beam screens and test objects in the experimental vacuum chambers at CERN;
• Implement changes to the measurement setup to facilitate PY characterization;
• Operate the setup and characterize the properties of novel beam screens;
• Perform data acquisition, handling and analysis and document and report results.

Vacuum systems development for the Beam Screen Test Bench Experiment (BESTEX) at the Karlsruhe Research Accelerator (KARA):

• Prepare, install and commission experimental setups for photon-stimulated desorption and photoelectron yield measurements;
• Visit the KARA site in Germany during technical stops for installation of new components and realization of required technical changes depending on experimental needs;
• Follow the data acquisition of BESTEX from CERN;
• Install and align the experimental chambers at BESTEX to establish proper vacuum conditions and commission control systems.

Your profile

Skills

• Deep knowhow of ultra-high vacuum systems and measurements
• Experience with computer-based simulation and analysis of physical processes and experimental results
• Knowledge of desorption and electron emission phenomena
• Experience with setting up experiments and control softwares
• Experience with Python
• Experience with Molflow or SynRad would be an advantage
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn the basics of French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Physics or Materials Science/Engineering (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 6th of May, 2025 at 23:59 (midnight) CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-August-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to lead.
• Use of certain mobile work equipment or equipment used for lifting loads (lifting equipment, bridge cranes, aerial work platforms, etc.) requiring a driving authorization.
• Operations on electrical installations or in their vicinity (over 1000 Volt AC or 1500 Volt DC) requiring a specific authorization.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2025-57-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 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: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.

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