Applied Physicist

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Job Overview:
The Applied Physicist position within the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group at CERN's Technology Department involves a comprehensive engagement with the lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems. This includes responsibilities from the initial development and design phases through to installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems. The VSC group is also tasked with operating advanced facilities for thin film coating and surface finishing, as well as the physical and chemical characterization of materials related to vacuum technologies. A significant aspect of this role is the development of plasma sources for specialized coating applications, particularly in the context of novel accelerator concepts such as plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA). The successful candidate will be involved in a dedicated R&D program aimed at advancing plasma source technology for the AWAKE project, focusing on achieving highly uniform and reproducible plasmas. The position requires collaboration with external institutes to adapt and develop plasma diagnostics, contributing to the advancement of millimeter-wave and THz plasma diagnostics for density monitoring. The role also emphasizes active engagement with the AWAKE and wider PWFA community through participation in meetings, workshops, and publications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Applied Physicist, your primary duties will include: developing and optimizing a length-scalable RF plasma source, specifically a helicon plasma operating at 13.56 MHz with multiple antennas in parallel; designing, upgrading, and scaling hardware components such as RF generators, antenna designs, matching networks, magnetic field coils, vacuum tubes, and plasma power coupling systems; adapting and developing plasma diagnostics in collaboration with external research institutes; contributing to the development of millimeter-wave and THz plasma diagnostics for effective density monitoring; and actively engaging with the AWAKE and PWFA community through various professional activities including meetings, workshops, and publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid knowledge of cold plasma physics and hands-on experience in the design of cold plasma sources, particularly RF and helicon plasmas. Practical experience with plasma diagnostics, such as interferometry and optical emission spectroscopy, is essential. Familiarity with the operation of vacuum systems and associated measurement techniques is also required. Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and a commitment to learning French is expected.

Educational Background:
The position requires a professional background in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering/RF, Plasma Physics, or a related field. Candidates should hold 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. It is important to note that candidates who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract are not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a professional background that includes either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of relevant experience or a PhD with up to 3 years of experience in a related field. This experience should encompass practical work in cold plasma physics and the design and operation of plasma sources, as well as familiarity with vacuum systems and diagnostics.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for integration into the workplace and community.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week. The target start date for the position is February 1, 202

• The role involves working in radiation areas and may require interventions in underground installations. A valid driving license is necessary, and the candidate should be prepared to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the organization's needs. Due to the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances.