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This is your Quest. Deepen your knowledge and expertise faster than anywhere else on earth. Take Part!

Would you like to work on cutting-edge accelerator technologies at the Advanced Wakefield Experiment (AWAKE)? The Advanced Wakefield Experiment, AWAKE is an accelerator R&D experiment at CERN to demonstrate for the first time ever plasma wakefield acceleration of electrons in wakefields driven by a proton bunch. AWAKE has now started into its next phase towards demonstrating accelerating electrons to high energies while preserving the beam quality to be eventually in the position to propose first particle physics experiments.

The project focuses on simulation studies and the design of Run 2 of the AWAKE experiment. The work includes the further development of plasma wakefield codes considering the long proton drive bunches, which is particularly challenging for AWAKE simulations. You will carry out new simulation studies on the witness electron bunch acceleration, the optimization of the electron, proton and plasma parameters as well as studies on the electron beam quality after acceleration. Another aspect is the evaluation of first acquired data in the current AWAKE Run and benchmarking of simulations results.You will also be involved in the general AWAKE simulation coordination and oversees the simulation efforts of the collaborating institutes.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a Master’s degree and between 2 and 6 years’ experience or PhD with up to 3 years of relevant experience in applied physics or other related field.
• You should have a working knowledge of English or French.

Skills and/or knowledge:

• You have experience in the development of simulation codes for plasma wakefield acceleration.
• You have knowledge in the design of plasma wakefield acceleration experiments. 
• You have knowledge in beam dynamics, optics design and plasma wakefield acceleration.
• You have knowledge of software tools relevant for data analysis.

What we offer: 

• An employment contract of in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months;
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend ranging between 6050 and 6650 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.

 How to Apply:

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification;
• We recommend to add two recent letters of recommendation, giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially.

The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is May 2023.

Ready to take part? Then please submit your application by 23 January 2023 at  midnight (12.00 AM CEST).