Introduction

Are you a senior Applied Physicist or Engineer on applied Superconductivity? Are you ready to join one of the world’s largest team of superconducting specialists? Leave your mark by developing and measuring superconductors, superconducting cables and associated electrical devices that will improve the future superconducting magnets and transmission lines at the LHC, and beyond. Take part!

You will join the Superconductors and Devices (SCD) Section, which is responsible for:

• Superconducting materials, LTS and HTS, wires, tapes and cables for the CERN accelerator complex;
• HTS Superconducting devices, e.g. current leads and electrical transfer lines;
• Laboratories for characterization of superconducting materials;
• Interventions in the LHC tunnel for aspects related to LHC superconducting powering equipment.  

Functions

As a senior Applied Superconductivity Scientist, you will lead a team of scientists and technicians in the CERN TE-MSC-SCD Section, and work on the development, characterization, prototyping and procurement of LTS/HTS superconductors, high-current superconducting strands, cables and associated electrical devices. You will:

• Take a leading role for the procurement of LTS/HTS superconductors and superconducting devices and components needed for the HL-LHC upgrade;
• Take responsibility for the characterization of superconducting materials, strands and cables at liquid helium temperature, including the definition of dedicated experiments on existing or new test installations, test program and analysis of test results;
• Be a driving and innovative force in the development and characterization of new types of superconductors, cables and devices for use in accelerators, seizing opportunities for applications of the new technologies to other fields;
• Take initiatives for, and drive collaborative projects with universities and laboratories worldwide, in the field of Applied Superconductivity for use accelerators;
• Take responsibility for the follow-up of procurement contracts with industry and laboratories world-wide: setting objectives, writing specifications, defining work plan and follow-up, including QA and QC;
• Participate in activities associated with the integration in the LHC underground areas of the novel superconducting transfer lines being developed for HL-LHC. The activity requires interfacing with CERN design team, conceiving and discussing integration strategy and the design and procurement of required equipment and tooling;
• Lead a team of physicists, engineers and technicians working on superconductors and superconducting devices for accelerators, from design to prototyping and construction.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in applied superconductivity, LTS and HTS materials and their applications, and specifically in relation with magnet technology;
• Electromechanical design and electromechanical construction of superconducting devices. Some experience in simulation and analysis in the field of applied superconductivity;
• Experience in the field of cryogenic test and measurements, involving superconductivity (materials and cables, magnets or other devices), data acquisition hardware and software.
• Experience in leading combined teams of physicists, engineers and technicians.
• Knowledge of low temperature and high-field material properties.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of superconducting materials: in particular LTS and HTS superconductors for magnets and other applications, including analysis of production and test data;
• Design, modelling and measurement of superconductors for magnets: in particular electrical tests and characterization of LTS and HTS superconducting materials, wires, tapes, cables and other devices;
• Construction, test and installation of superconducting magnets and systems: in particular power transmission systems and other devices;
• Knowledge and application of cryogenic fluid and material properties
• Knowledge and application of cryogenic thermometry and instrumentation: in particular instrumentation for characterization and qualification of LTS and HTS superconductors.
• Project management: in particular large, pluridisciplinary projects such as the LHC upgrade or the High Field Magnet R&D program

Behavioural competencies:

• Leading with Strength and Credibility: demonstrating authority and being accountable for actions, decisions and effective functioning of the team Making timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; dealing with difficulties in a timely manner
• Optimising Resources: realistically assessing human and financial resource needs, evaluating risks and plans accordingly Involving key stakeholders at critical stages to ensure availability of resources Identifying possible obstacles to achieving goals and drawing up contingency plans; adapting resources to changing priorities
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them Assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely. Seeking and integrating other points of view when tackling an issue; consulting experts in the field and undertaking benchmarking
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships Debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas Understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information Sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer Being receptive to others' ideas and building on them.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English and French: ability to understand and speak both languages 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 10.01.2022 at noon.

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 in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence is required.
• 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.

Job grade: 8

Job reference: TE-MSC-SCD-2021-135-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist