Physicist - Accelerator Operations (BE-OP-2024-21-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

As an Applied Physicist or Engineer, you have the unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's most advanced scientific research environments.
You will join the Operations (OP) Group in the Beams (BE) Department at CERN, which is responsible for the operation of all CERN present and future Accelerators, their associated Experimental Areas and for the monitoring of the overall technical infrastructure at CERN. 

This position is dedicated to the Efficient Particle Accelerators (EPA) project. It offers a blend of challenges and learning opportunities at the intersection of accelerator science, engineering, and computing. Your primary focus will be aimed at automating the beam production for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in its injector complex and the beam delivery to the LHC.

Specifically, you will:

• Develop a new monitoring system for longitudinal beam quality in the CERN Proton Synchrotron;
• Collaborate with experts from other accelerators to define the requirements of the system;
• Conduct beam-based studies to determine the optimal layout of the system in terms of hardware and software;
• Create advanced tools for beam observation, enabling real-time measurement of beam quality for automatic parameter adjustment;
• Develop a software framework to automate the LHC beam production procedure;
• Gain an in-depth understanding of accelerator operations, beam instrumentation techniques, and the CERN control system for accelerator settings management;
• Collaborate closely with a diverse team of beam physicists, operations and equipment experts, and software engineers.

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

Technical skills: 

• Proven experience in data analysis;
• Proficiency in Python coding.

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of C++, Java, or similar languages is a plus; 
• (Basic) understanding of accelerator physics and prior experience in designing and operating complex systems will be an asset. 

Soft skills:

• Problem-solving and analytical mindset; 
• Independence in managing technical tasks, coupled with a hands-on, proactive approach; 
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a dynamic and challenging environment;
• Excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Effective communication and presentation abilities.

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 Applied physicist (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: BE-OP-2024-21-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-May-2024

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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