Applied Physicist - Plasma Wakefield Experiment

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.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

This is your Quest. Deepen your knowledge and expertise faster than anywhere else on earth. Take Part!

Job Description

Would you like to work on cutting-edge accelerator technologies at the Advanced Wakefield Experiment (AWAKE)? The Advanced Wakefield Experiment, AWAKE is an accelerator R&D experiment at CERN to demonstrate for the first time ever plasma wakefield acceleration of electrons in wakefields driven by a proton bunch. AWAKE has now started into its next phase towards demonstrating accelerating electrons to high energies while preserving the beam quality to be eventually in the position to propose first particle physics experiments.

Starting 2023 a new plasma source with a step in the plasma density will be installed, allowing to stop the evolution of the proton bunch modulation and allow for high gradients over long distances. You will participate in the measurement and analysis of this experimental program. The project also includes the operation and performance improvement of the AWAKE experiment, being responsible for the experimental data acquisition and data analysis software and preparing the smooth transition from commissioning to operation to be ready for the relevant physics runs.

Qualifications

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a Master’s degree and between 2 and 6 years’ experience or PhD with up to 3 years of relevant experience in applied physics or other related field.
• You should have a working knowledge of English or French.

Skills and/or knowledge:

• You have knowledge in the design and/or operation of plasma wakefield acceleration experiments. 
• You have knowledge in beam dynamics, optics design, beam instrumentation
• You have experience in experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.
• You have knowledge of software tools relevant for data analysis and beam operation.

Additional Information

What we offer: 

• An employment contract of in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months;
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend ranging between 6050 and 6650 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.

 How to Apply:

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification;
• We recommend to add two recent letters of recommendation, giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially.

The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is June 2023.

Ready to take part? Then please submit your application by 23 January 2023 at  midnight (12.00 AM CEST). 

More Information