The 16 T magnet designs proposed for future energy-frontier circular colliders demand Nb3Sn superconducting wires with performance exceeding the current state of the art. This has driven intense research worldwide, resulting in exciting innovations including 'internal oxidation' for nano-scale optimisation of superconductor microstructures, but many challenges remain. In the context of the High Field Magnets (HFM) programme, CERN is working to develop and characterise novel Nb3Sn wires, in collaboration with manufacturers and research partners, and to qualify and cable them for use in model magnets.

This project contributes to the characterisation and optimisation of wire designs by:

• Designing studies and extracting conclusions to guide wire development collaborations with manufacturers and research institutes;

• Performing electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis of superconducting wires • Analysing phase transformations and diffusion during heat treatment;

• Assessing mechanical deformation characteristics of wires on rolling and cabling in relation to their design, experimentally and/or by modelling;

• Performing superconducting characterisation (critical current, magnetisation), and analysing the results.

Who we are looking for

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in 'Materials science, Condensed Matter 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 CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Skills and/or knowledge

• SEM, image analysis, materials science (phase equilibria, deformation of metals/alloys), and scripting (data analysis);
• Knowledge of applied superconductivity preferred, FEM modelling an advantage;
• You should have a working knowledge of English or French.

Job closing date: please note that the closing date has been extended until 17 September 23h59 (CEST)

Job reference: TE-MSC-LSC-2023-79-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-February-2024

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.