Accelerator Physicist (BE-ABP-LNO-2024-196-LD)

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.

Introduction

Are you an Accelerator Physicist or Engineer experienced in the beam dynamics of lepton accelerator synchrotrons and colliders?

Are you interested in taking an active role in the development of future accelerators for CERN and in particular of the Future Circular e+/e- collider (FCCee)? Join a dynamic team of applied physicists and have an impact in the design of FCCee, guide its optimisation and contribute to studies for other future particle colliders. Work at the heart of beam physics and operation, at the largest particle physics laboratory in the world: CERN. Take part!

You will join: The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, which is part of the Beams department (BE) and in charge of beam performance over the complete CERN accelerator chain from the source to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Group carries out Research & Development (R&D) activities on the upgrade of the LHC and its injectors, on the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), Future Circular Colliders (FCC) and Muon Collider study, as well as on novel acceleration techniques (AWAKE).

The Linear and Non-linear Optics (LNO) section is in charge of theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies of optics, and linear and non-linear single-particle effects, affecting the performance of present and future synchrotrons and linear colliders. The design of new accelerators at the high-intensity and high-energy frontier and the optics commissioning and performance optimization of existing ones requires the development of accurate and predictive models of beam dynamics and optics. You will play a key role in the development and simulation tools associated to these studies.

In line with the update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics, CERN investigates the technical and financial feasibility of a future hadron collider with a centre-of-mass energy up to 100 TeV and with an electron-positron (e+/e-) Higgs and electroweak factory as a possible first stage. Strengthening the corresponding accelerator R&D is one of the key elements of this endeavor in the ABP group, in particular with respect to the accelerator physics and associated beam dynamics of e+/e- ring colliders.

Functions

As an accelerator physicist you will take part in the R&D efforts for the optics design and parameter optimisation of FCC-ee. You will:

• Contribute to the design of arc and interaction region collider optics, while achieving low emittance and vertical beta star, including synchrotron radiation effects, towards the target performance for all collider energies, parameters and options;
• Define optics correction and emittance tuning strategies, providing tolerances for alignment and magnetic field errors;
• Develop a flexible layout, integrating relevant systems such as injection, extraction, RF and collimation;
• Simulate and optimise the non-linear dynamics and in particular the off-momentum dynamic aperture, taking into account all relevant imperfections and effects and propose mitigation and beam-based correction strategies;
• Contribute to the optics design of FCCee injector synchrotrons;
• Participate in the commissioning and propose dedicated experiments in operational colliders as SuperKEKB, LHC and HL-LHC.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of physics or engineering (or equivalent) or a related field.

Experience:

The requirements for this position are:

• Demonstrated experience of working in a scientific environment, preferably in the design and/or operation of particle accelerators;
• Experience of accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability in the field of optics design and correction;
• Experience with single-particle dynamics simulation codes including the effect of synchrotron radiation;
• Experience with experimental techniques and analysis of accelerator beam data;

The following experience would be considered an asset:

• Experience of massive numerical simulations with modern simulations codes;
• Experience with one of the following codes: mAD-X, SAD, ELEGANT, X-SUITE.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of single-particle dynamics (longitudinal/transverse);
• Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance;
• Simulation, design and development of (part of) particle accelerators;
• Knowledge and application of non-linear beam dynamics;
• Knowledge and application of optics correction techniques.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind
• Solving Problems: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in professional contexts, the willingness to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 22.01.2025 at 23.45 Geneva time. 

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization;
• Work in radiation-controlled areas

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-LNO-2024-196-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further