Applied Physicist for Superconducting RF (SY-RF-SRF-2025-63-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

As an Applied Physicist, you'll join the Superconducting RF Cavity Technology (SRF) Section of the Radio Frequency (RF) Group within the Accelerator Systems (SY) Department. This section is responsible for the design, maintenance, and upgrading of superconducting RF cavity systems in CERN accelerators.

You will join a small team engaged in the research and development of superconducting RF materials with the aim to improve the performance of superconducting thin films deposited on copper for SRF applications. This is particularly important for the design and development for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

Your tasks will include:

• Conducting RF measurements at cryogenics temperatures of 1.3 GHz single cell cavities;
• Conducting RF measurements of flat samples with a quadrupole resonator;
• Developing a diagnostics tool for:
  • Thermal and magnetic mapping;
  • Data analysis;
  • Correlation analysis for coating parameters and standard DC superconducting quantities;

Your profile

Skills

• Deep know-how of classical electrodynamics and RF measurement techniques;
• Experience with laboratory work (cleanroom experience would be an advantage);
• Experience with Python and Python-based data analysis;
• Experience with a finite element electromagnetic simulation software;
• Knowledge of RF superconductivity theory would be an advantage;
• 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, Electronics 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: 21.05.2025 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-July-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• A valid driving licence.

Job reference: SY-RF-SRF-2025-63-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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