Introduction

Are you an applied physicist who wishes to contribute to the RICH System Project, a vital sub-detector of the LHCb experiment dedicated to Particle Identification, and searching for hints of new physics through precision measurements in flavour physics? If your answer is yes, then take part!

Functions

You will join:

• The Experimental Physics Department (EP) which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics. It aims at providing a stimulating scientific atmosphere and is an important reference centre for the European physics community. It contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
• The LHCb experiment is one of the four large experiments at the LHC of CERN. The experiment is specialized in investigating the tiny difference between matter and anti-matter and searching for hints of new physics. It has been taking data since several years and a major upgrade of its detector has just been finalised and a new one is being prepared to happen in the coming 10 years.
• The CERN LHCb detector group (EP-LBD) is contributing significantly to physics analysis, detector design, R&D and running of the LHCb experiment as well as to the development and construction of the LHCb upgrade projects.
• The RICH System CERN Team. The RICH system is composed of two RICH (Rich Imaging CHerenkov) detectors. Both assure the positive identification of protons, pions and kaons in a dense particle environment generated by the p-p collisions at high luminosities and 40 MHz collision rate and in a range of momenta spanning between ~9 and 120 GeV/c. In the last 15 years this system has undergone various upgrades and improvements and at present faces the challenge of coming years upgrades, where HL-LHC luminosities will be scaled up to almost 10-fold and the provision of a system with time resolutions better than 100 ps will be critical for the achievement of high hadronic particle identification performance.

You will play a central leading role in the development, construction, operation, maintenance and consolidation of the LHCb RICH Upgrade detector system foreseen for the coming years.  These activities are joined to the R&D activities in the Cherenkov detector field, where CERN-EP retains leadership and know-how.

In particular, you will have a leading role in the R&D and characterization of RICH systems delivering ~0.1mrad and <0.1 ns single photon resolutions for detectors for HL-LHC and future colliders.

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

Experience:

• Proven track record in applied physics activities;
• Demonstrated experience in RICH detector tests (in laboratory and in test beams);
• Simulations and detector designs, specifically for RICH systems (optics, gases, electronics, cooling and mechanics);
• Electronics tests (with focus on picosecond timing) and DAQ requirements for large particle physics experiments, specifically data flows and their specific modelling;
• Commissioning and operation of a complex detector; gas and cooling systems; control systems and their programming;
• Management and coordination of teams and student supervision;
• Written and oral reporting, analysis.

Technical competencies:

• Simulation, design and development of (parts of) detectors;
• Analysis and optimization of detector performance;
• Detector assembly and integration: techniques, procedures and coordination;
• Testing and measurement of optoelectronic systems;
• Use of data acquisition and treatment software.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Working in teams: supporting and acting in accordance with team decisions; accepting joint responsibility for team successes and shortcomings; debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas.
• Demonstrating flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Demonstrating accountability: presenting information accurately and objectively.
• Managing self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.

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 26.07.2023.

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.
• 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: EP-LBD-2023-87-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist