Introduction

Join a great team pushing the limits of superconductors and of superconducting devices for accelerators, to shape the future of CERN. CERN, take part!

You will join the Superconductors and Superconducting Devices (SCD) Section, part of the Magnets, Superconductors and Cryostats (MSC) Group within the Technology (TE) Department. The Section is responsible for development, measurement and procurement of superconducting materials, LTS and HTS wires, tapes and cables for the CERN accelerator complex; development and construction of HTS superconducting devices, e.g. current leads and electrical transfer lines; operation and upgrade of laboratories for characterization of superconducting materials.

SCD is also responsible for interventions in the LHC tunnel for aspects related to LHC superconducting powering equipment and for the associated maintenance activities.

The section is presently launching the R&D on Nb3Sn and HTS technologies for novel applications, in particular high field magnets. The next years will be crucial in the demonstration of the potentials of these technologies for future accelerators and other uses.

Functions

As applied physicist in the SCD Section, you will:

• Play a key role in the technology development and in the design and construction of superconducting magnet systems for the next generation of accelerators and for various diversification programs by:
  • Being a driving and innovative force in the development of new types of superconductors, HTS and others, and devices for use in accelerators, seizing opportunities for applications of the new technologies to other fields.
  • Participating to the design and assembly of HTS devices, including power transmission cables and demonstration coils. This requires defining manufacturing sequences, assembly procedures, instrumentation needs and test procedures.
  • Taking responsibility for the characterization of HTS superconductors, wires, tapes and cables at liquid helium temperature and above, including the definition of dedicated experiments on existing or new test installations, the elaboration of a test program and the analysis of test results.
  • Leading the qualification and quality control measurements for each step of the design and manufacturing phases.
  • Participating in the analyses to assess and correlate design parameters, assembly and test data from mock-ups and models, and being proactive in proposing design iterations whenever required.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in superconductors, both low temperature and high temperature superconductors as well in electro-magnetic and mechanical modelling of superconductors, i.e. wire, tapes an cables;
• Proven experience in measurement techniques of superconductors at liquid helium and liquid nitrogen temperatures;
• Proven experience in the design, execution and analyses of experiments and experimental results associated to measurement of superconductors;
• Initial experience in HTS superconducting coils or electromechanical system design (field, forces, thermal and mechanical behaviour in static and transient conditions, protection).

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of superconducting materials
• Design, modelling and measurement of superconductors for magnets
• Knowledge and application of computational methods and tools in electromagnetism
• Electrical and magnetic measurements of materials
• Knowledge and application of mechanical measurement techniques: and electrical measurement techniques.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues Cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions Presenting information accurately and objectively
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change
• Solving Problems: seeking and integrating other points of view when tackling an issue; consulting experts in the field and undertaking benchmarking
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer

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 English.

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 28.02.2023 at midnight 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 is required.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-MSC-SCD-2022-202-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist