Introduction

Are you a skilled Applied Physicist/RF Engineer who is passionate about conceiving, designing and testing state of the art instrumentation for accelerators at the high energy and intensity frontier? CERN, take part!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

The position will be in the Beam Position Section (BP) of the Beam Instrumentation Group.

You will take part in designing, manufacturing and commissioning of large and complex transverse position monitoring systems for the charged particle beams that are operated daily in the CERN accelerator complex.

Functions

As an Applied physicist or RF engineer specialised in beam instrumentation systems and RF technology, your main task will be to develop and test state-of-the-art beam position monitoring systems for the CERN accelerator complex and for the next generation beam colliders, in particular the CERN Future Circular Collider (FCC) study mission.

The job will involve:

• Conceptual design and outline of a large scale BPM system with focus on high frequency BPM pickups and RF signal processing;
• Perform electromagnetic analysis and numerical simulations on BPM pickups and RF signal processing elements, including some beam dynamics investigations;
• Identify and tailor BPM R&D activities to meet the BPM system requirements;
• Collaborate with other teams at CERN and abroad on the various aspects related to the BPM system, e.g., operational requirements, system integration, BPM pickup alignment and calibration in connection with the quadrupole magnets;
• Validation of prototypes with test benches as well as beam tests;
• Supervise students and post-doctoral.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics, electrical engineering, RF engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in the following:

• Design and realisation of complex radiofrequency electronic systems;
• Design of beam pickup design;
• Broadband pulse signal processing;
• Accelerator physics, with demonstrated ability in the field of analysis and optimization of accelerator performance.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of computational methods and tools in electromagnetism;
• Knowledge and application of signal theory, mathematical techniques and tools;
• Design of high-frequency electronics and microwave circuits;
• Knowledge and application of RF techniques;
• Simulation, design and development of data processing and analysis workflows.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations; being willing to work on different projects simultaneously
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies; learning from own successes and failures; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English: the ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports, and/or to make oral presentations. 
• Basic knowledge of French language or an undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

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 24.10.2022 by 12 (midday) CET.

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 in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-BI-BP-2022-110-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist