Introduction

Are you an Accelerator Physicist or Engineer experienced in single-particle beam dynamics effects, and interested in working in an exciting international environment at the forefront of modern science? Would you like to work on the commissioning of the CERN's Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB) and Proton Synchrotron (PS) after the major upgrades carried out in 2019-20? Then Take Part, and join one of the teams that help to deliver unique particle beams used by physicists from all over the world to answer questions at the heart of particle physics!

You will join:

The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, part of the Beams department (BE), in charge of beam performance over the complete CERN accelerator chain, from the source to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and carries out Research & Development (R&D) activities on the upgrade of the LHC, its injectors, the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), and Future Circular Colliders study (FCC). Click here for an animation of the CERN accelerator network.

The Hadron Synchrotron’s Single Particle effects (HSS) 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 hadron synchrotrons.

The design of new accelerators and the performance optimization of existing ones requires the development of accurate and predictive models of the beam dynamics, both linear and non-linear, together with powerful techniques and tools to measure and correct the optics. Indeed, the capability of measuring and correcting the actual optics of a ring is of paramount importance to make the ring behaving as the theoretical model, hence, performing according to expectations.

Functions

As Accelerator Physicist in the BE-ABP-HSS Section, you will participate in the activities related with single particle beam dynamics studies for the LHC injectors, with particular emphasis on the Proton Synchrotron Booster and Proton Synchrotron rings (see here http://acc-models.web.cern.ch) for the on-going upgrade studies. This includes activities on both numerical simulations and measurements, such as linear and non-linear optics determination and participation to the commissioning activities following the upgrades under implementation and to the subsequent performance improvement.

Furthermore, you will participate to the development of the simulation code SixTrack (see here http://sixtrack.web.cern.ch/SixTrack/).

You will:

• Develop and maintain an effective model that includes linear and non-linear beam dynamics effects.
• Conceive and develop optics measurement and correction techniques and the corresponding tools.

After a period of familiarisation you will:

• Conduct optics measurement, analyse the data collected, and implement the necessary corrections to obtain the expected optics characteristics.
• Contribute to the studies to analyse and improve the performance of the current machine.
• Be part of the commissioning team restarting the injectors after the implementation of the changes related with the upgrade programme.
• Contribute to the development of SixTrack by extending existing capabilities or adding new ones as required by the studies and projects covered in the group.
• Contribute to the maintenance and users’ support of SixTrack.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

The experience required for this position is:

• Experience in the field of physics or engineering (or equivalent) with a first relevant experience in a scientific environment preferably in the design and/or operation of particle accelerators.
• Experience of accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability to compute beam optics.
• Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.
• Experience with single-particle beam dynamics simulation codes.

The following experience would be considered an asset:

• Experience with one of the following codes: mAD-X (see here http://madx.web.cern.ch/madx/), SixTrack.
• Experience of massive numerical simulations with modern simulations codes.
• Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of beam optics (rings and transfer lines)
• Knowledge and application of single-particle dynamics (longitudinal/transverse)
• Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance
• Simulation, design and development of (part of) particle accelerators

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: 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 or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 19.02.2020

Employment Conditions

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

These functions require:

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-HSS-2020-3-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