Applied Physicist for Instrumentation (SY-BI-PM-2025-96-GRAP)

Job Description

As an Applied Physicist for Instrumentation, you'll join the Profile Monitors (PM) Section of the Beam Instrumentation (BI) Group within the Accelerator Systems (SY) Department. The SY-BI-PM Section is in charge of designing, building and maintaining various classes of instruments devoted to the observation and characterization of the transverse distribution of particle beam.

Your role, will focus on developing beam diagnostics for the proton beam line leading to the BDF/SHiP experiment. This will be done as part of the High Intensity ECN3 (HI-ECN3) Project, which will extend the physics reach of CERN's North Area by exploiting the maximum possible proton beam intensity that the Super Proton Synchrotron can deliver to the Beam Dump Facility and SHiP experiment housed in ECN3.

The primary role centers on developing a beam dilution monitor for the SHiP target. Additionally, you will contribute to designing various monitors to measure beam position, size, intensity, and longitudinal (time) structure - essential parameters for optimising beam transport and ensuring target integrity.

Responsibilities:

• Developing functional and engineering specifications for beam instrumentation.
• Evaluating beam dilution monitor options, e.g. by comparing standard beam imaging and segmented secondary emission monitors, conducting electromagnetic and detector simulations, and determining the optimal monitor design.
• Contributing to the dilution measurement system architecture development.
• Working with other teams to create technical drawings and develop the dilution monitor prototype.
• Collaborating with electronics engineers and physicists on monitor data acquisition systems.

Your profile

Skills:

• Experience with computer-based simulation and analysis of physical processes.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as CST Studio Suite and particle interaction simulators like FLUKA or GEANT4 would be an advantage.
• Deep know-how of particle interactions with matter.
• Experience with secondary electron emission effects would be an advantage.
• Experience with creating and maintaining experiments and the associated control software.
• Experience with Python-based analysis.
• Knowledge of analogue and digital electronics.
• Knowledge of mechanical design.
•  Knowledge of radiation effects on materials and electronics.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics or Electronics (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: 02.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-September-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• 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: SY-BI-PM-2025-96-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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