Your responsibilities
In 2024, CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) achieved beam energies of 420 MJ per beam—exceeding the design value by over 15%. Following Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), scheduled from mid-2026 to mid-2030, this will increase further to over 700 MJ per beam. At these unprecedented energy levels, even partial uncontrolled beam losses could lead to severe consequences, including potential damage to critical accelerator equipment.
As part of our team, the successful candidate will contribute to ensuring the safe operation of the LHC at its full potential by:
Performing beam dynamics simulations to analyse failure scenarios, evaluate their criticality, characterise the time evolution of beam losses, and propose robust mitigation strategies.Conducting sensitivity studies to identify key parameters in beam optics and associated accelerator systems that could influence failure modes and outcomes.Carrying out beam experiments in the LHC and the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) to validate simulation results and deepen understanding of the dynamics of failure cases.Taking a leading role in a high-intensity beam impact experiment at CERN's High-Radiation to Materials (HiRadMat) facility, scheduled for October 2025. This includes designing and setting up the experiment, executing it to assess the damage thresholds of radiation-aged superconducting sample coils at cryogenic temperatures, and analysing the results through critical current measurements, thermo-mechanical simulations, and microscopic investigations.This opportunity offers a unique chance to work at the forefront of accelerator physics and engineering, contributing directly to the safe operation of the most powerful particle accelerator in the world.
This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
Your profile
Skills
Data analysis tools in PythonBeam optics and beam dynamicsBeam tracking codes (MAD-X, Xsuite)Experience in analysis of beam-based measurementsBeam matter interactionsFLUKA or equivalent would be an assetFluent 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, Engineering (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.Job closing date: 17th of February, 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Target start date: 01-March-2025
This position involves:
Work in Radiation Areas.Job reference: TE-MPE-CB-2025-8-GRAP
Field of work: Applied Physics
What we offer
A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 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.
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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.