Introduction

Are you an Accelerator physicist or Engineer with experience in beam dynamics, and, in particular, incoherent multi-particle effects, combining academic excellence and technical coordination skills? Are you interested in taking an active role in the performance optimization of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and its High Luminosity upgrade (HL-LHC)? Join a dynamic team of applied physicists and have an impact in the integrated luminosity of the LHC, guide its upgrade and contribute to studies for future particle colliders. Work at the heart of beam physics and operation, at the largest particle physics laboratory in the world: CERN. Take part!

You will join:

The Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group, part of the Beams department (BE), is in charge of beam physics aspects over the complete CERN accelerator chain, from the source to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), for maximising its performance. The Group carries out Research & Development (R&D) activities on the upgrade of the LHC and its injectors, on the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), Future Circular Colliders (FCC) and Muon Collider study, as well as on novel acceleration techniques (AWAKE).

The Incoherent effects (INC) Section is responsible for theoretical, numerical and experimental studies for the mitigation of interleaved incoherent effects (e.g. space-charge, beam-beam, intra-beam scattering, e-cloud, cooling), affecting the performance of present and future synchrotrons.

The performance of hadron colliders such as the LHC depends critically on the optimization of beam lifetime in the presence of strong beam-beam effects and other beam degrading mechanisms such as Intra-beam Scattering (IBS), electron cloud and power converter ripple.  Accurate numerical modelling of these effects is the primary tool for finding optimum machine configurations in order to maximise the integrated luminosity for the physics experiments.

Functions

As accelerator physicist of the INC section of the ABP group, you will perform simulation studies and measurements to improve the model of the LHC and HL-LHC and find mitigations for beam degrading effects, such as beam-beam and power converter ripple.

In particular, you will:

• Develop operational scenarios for the LHC Run 3 and the HL-LHC era by optimizing beam lifetime (DA) and integrated luminosity through simulation studies with beam-beam effects.
• Conduct beam measurements, analyse the data collected, as well as benchmark and improve the simulation model of the (HL-)LHC in order to identify and possibly mitigate effects impacting the performance (e.g. noise and power converter ripple).
• Contribute to the development of beam-beam mitigation techniques.
• Perform studies on defining the tolerances of crab cavity imperfections and, later on, take an active role in the commissioning of the crab cavities for operation.
• Contribute to the development of numerical tools for simulating incoherent effects, in particular for beam-beam and IBS.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

The experience required for this position is:

• Demonstrated experience of working in a scientific environment, preferably in the design and/or operation of particle accelerators.
• Experience with simulation codes for incoherent effects such as beam-beam, IBS and/or space-charge.
• Experience with experimental techniques and analysis of data from beam measurements.
• Experience with beam optics and non-linear dynamics simulation codes.

The following experience would be considered an asset:

• Experience of massive numerical simulations with modern simulations codes.
• Experience with one of the following codes: mAD-X, SIXTRACK.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of single-particle dynamics (longitudinal/transverse).
• Knowledge and application of collective effects (impedance, beam-beam, space charge, electron cloud, intra beam scattering).
• Simulation, design and development of (part of) particle accelerators.
• Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships. Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Achieving results: Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind. Following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application
• Communicating effectively: Demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively. Expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Managing self: Taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen. Working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.

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 13:00 CEST 21.09.2021

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 during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work in radiation-controlled areas, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Interventions in underground installations, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-INC-2021-103-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist