Applied Physicist (SY-BI-XEI-2024-20-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

You will join the Accelerator System (SY) department, which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators.
The position is based in the Beam Instrumentation (BI) group which is responsible for designing, building and maintaining the instruments that allow observation of the particle beams and the measurement of related parameters for all CERN accelerators and transfer lines.
Within the BI group you will work in the eXperimental Areas, Electron beams & Ionisation monitor (XEI) section, with a team of experienced applied physicists, electronic engineers & technicians. 

We are seeking a highly motivated Applied Physicist or Engineer to join a team working on the development of beam instrumentation that leverages recent advancements in hybrid pixel detector technology by the Medipix collaboration. In this role you will have the unique opportunity to build up your expertise in beam diagnostics, pixel detector technology, high speed data acquisition systems and data analysis.

You will take a leading role in the commissioning and exploitation of a new non-invasive transverse beam profile monitor for the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS), which is based on the detection of ionisation electrons with hybrid pixel detectors installed directly inside the accelerator beam pipe. 

In particular, you will:

• Take charge of the commissioning and operational support of the new SPS Beam Gas Ionisation (BGI) transverse beam profile monitors;
• Study and improve the absolute accuracy of the instrument by means of comparison with a reference instrument & simulation;
• Investigate the potential use of the BGI instruments for beam halo measurements;
• Contribute to the design, installation & testing of beam instrumentation based on Timepix3 & 4 hybrid pixel detectors.
   

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Proficiency in coding with Python;
• Experience in data analysis and simulations. 

Advantageous: 

• Knowledge of particle detectors and/or data acquisition systems would be an advantage; 
• Experience in developing and/or commissioning beam instruments or particle detectors would be an advantage.

Language skills:

• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Physics, Applied Physics, 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: 10.03.2024 at 23:59h (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-BI-XEI-2024-20-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-June-2024

This position requires:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6194 and 6808 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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