Applied physicist/RF system engineer (SY-RF-BR-2024-161-GRAP)

Your responsibilities

The performance of CERN's accelerators critically depends on minimizing the contribution of the installed accelerator components to the overall beam coupling impedance. Since the Proton Synchrotron (PS) and the Super-Proton-Synchrotron accelerator (SPS) are key elements of the injector chain for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), electromagnetic (EM) simulation models in CST were previously developed and refined for these machines. These models allow for estimating the longitudinal and transverse impedance contributions of both existing and new accelerator components.

A new QUEST graduate will contribute to these impedance studies by performing EM simulations in CST or other relevant tools. These simulations will help validate the design of new components and propose modifications to existing machine elements without impairing the functionality of the accelerator components.

In this role, you will collaborate with a team that focuses on several critical tasks:

• Contributing to and updating the models of existing machine elements, such as kickers and beam instrumentation components, to accurately represent the overall impedance for accelerators like the LHC, SPS, PS, and PSB.
• Conducting RF measurements to assess the longitudinal and transverse impedance of machine elements before they are installed in the accelerators.

The objective of this impedance mitigation work is to reduce the impedance of both new and already installed equipment. Impedance studies also play a fundamental role during the development and prototyping phases of new equipment, ensuring that impedance requirements are met and proposing mitigation strategies if necessary before finalizing the design with the equipment owners.

More information here: https://sy-dep-rf.web.cern.ch

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• RF engineering and simulations of EM-field configurations (knowledge of basic beam dynamics would be an asset).
• Basics of RF measurement techniques (knowledge of Python would be an asset).
• Fluent 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 RF-engineering, applied 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.

Job closing date: 4 November 2024 at 23:59 PM (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-RF-BR-2024-161-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-December-2024

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 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.