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 probe the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory, the Large Hadron Collider, and is dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of particle physics through innovative research and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied Physicist at CERN involves contributing to the ALICE experiment team, which focuses on cutting-edge research related to Quark-Gluon Plasma and high-rate heavy-ion collisions. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the optimization and calibration of the upgraded Time Projection Chamber (TPC) used in the ALICE experiment. This role requires a strong background in physics, particularly in the calibration of time projection chambers, and involves the development of new calibration methods, including the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The physicist will also be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of calibration data, adapting existing procedures for automation, and enhancing the overall performance of the TPC calibration processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Applied Physicist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: developing tools and procedures for the extraction of calibration data; implementing online calibration procedures; conducting research and development on GPU support for calibration tasks; extending and modifying existing methods for the calibration of space charge distortions; adapting existing procedures to create automatic calibration workflows; designing and developing new calibration methods, particularly those utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence; improving the performance and scalability of TPC calibration; and automating and monitoring the calibration quality assurance processes. Additionally, the physicist will participate in regular stand-by duties, which may include working nights, Sundays, and official holidays.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess knowledge in time projection chambers, specifically in physics and calibration. They should have experience in quality assurance related to detector calibration and reconstruction. A background in software design and development is essential, along with familiarity with collaborative tools. Proficiency in modern C++, quality control and testing, Git, CMake, and the use of HEP data analysis tools is required. Strong spoken and written English skills are mandatory, and a commitment to learning French is expected.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have a professional background with either a Master's degree in physics or a related field, accompanied by 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 that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master's degree, or up to 3 years of experience if they possess a PhD. This experience should be directly related to the calibration of time projection chambers or similar fields within applied physics.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While knowledge of French is not required at the outset, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to learning the language as part of their professional development.

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, and the job offers a hybrid working flexibility. The target start date for this position is February 1, 202

• The role includes participation in regular stand-by duties, which may require working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays. The compensation package 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. Additionally, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and have access to on-the-job training, formal training at CERN, and in-house language courses.