Your responsibilities

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 programs.
- The Sources, Targets and Interactions group (STI) that has the mandate to study the interactions of beam with matter, aiming to apply its know-how to particle generation (ISOLDE ion sources and targets, Fixed targets for experimental areas, CLIC photoinjectors, AWAKE plasma and electron sources), and to particle interception (collimators, absorbers and dumps). The skills involved and available in the group include Nuclear Physics and Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Material Science, Control systems and Electronic design, Photonics and Laser spectroscopy.
- The Lasers and Photocathodes section (LP) that is in charge of laser-based particle sources, in particular the Photoemission laboratory and the photoinjectors of the CLIC test facility. The section also contributes to the construction and operation of laser installation and laser beams experiments. The Photoemission laboratory is CERNs photocathode factory for lepton accelerators used for fundamental and applied research spanning many disciplines from particle physics to medical applications.

This exciting opportunity is at the intersection of nanophotonics, material science, quantum electronics and accelerator physics with a view on relevant medical applications.
You will apply your background in electron beam production, nanophotonics and laser systems to contribute to the developments being carried out in the Photoemission Lab for photocathodes and electron sources for FLASH radiotherapy. 
Specifically, you will: 
-  carry out the experimental work related to novel photoemissive technology using plasmonics, as well as supporting the design and integration of the DEFT photoinjector based on existing cesium telluride cathodes; 
- investigate such surface-plasmon assisted photoemission with a view on simplifying the photocathode production at CERN while extending the lifetime of existing photo-injectors. .

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Knowledge of Electron beam production, manipulation and detection;
• Knowledge of Photoemission modelling;
• Experience with Laser-matter interactions, Ultrafast laser technologies, Laser beam transport, manipulation and monitoring;
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: 22.08.2023 at 12:00 AM (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-STI-LP-2023-91-GRAP

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-October-2023

This position requires:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6194 and 6808 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.