Research Physicist

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and operates in multiple countries across Europe. CERN is renowned for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and is home to the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. The organization employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing to our understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws of nature. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every contribution is recognized and valued, which is central to its continued success.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Physicist at CERN involves contributing to the preparation of a world-leading plasma accelerator experiment within an international collaboration. The focus of this role is on advanced simulation and modeling for Run 2 of the AWAKE experiment, which is set to restart proton-beam operations in 2029 following CERN's Long Shutdown

• The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, benchmarking, and applying state-of-the-art plasma wakefield simulation tools to model beam-plasma interactions. This includes working with AWAKE's long proton drive bunches and high-quality electron acceleration. The role requires conducting optimization studies, parameter scans, and start-to-end simulations, as well as exploratory studies of extended plasma stages that support future particle physics applications. The candidate will work closely with both simulation and experimental teams to ensure that numerical studies accurately reflect operational conditions and provide valuable input for design decisions and technical specifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Physicist include:

• Developing and advancing wakefield simulations tailored to long, self-modulated proton drive bunches, addressing central modeling challenges of the AWAKE experiment.
• Carrying out simulation studies of witness electron-beam acceleration, optimizing electron, proton, and plasma parameters for Run
• Evaluating electron beam quality post-acceleration, focusing on energy, energy spread, emittance, and charge, while investigating strategies for achieving controlled properties.
• Conducting full start-to-end simulations of Run 2 scenarios, from self-modulation development through electron injection, acceleration, and extraction.
• Investigating electron beam acceleration in scalable plasma sources of several tens of meters, assessing beam characteristics for future particle physics applications.
• Contributing to the coordination of AWAKE simulation activities, including aligning tools, sharing best practices, and supporting junior collaborators.
• Collaborating closely with the experimental team to ensure that numerical studies accurately reflect operational conditions and provide input for design decisions and technical specifications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a background in computational physics, accelerator physics, plasma physics, or a closely related field. Experience with numerical simulations or particle-on-cell/beam-dynamics codes is essential. Familiarity with plasma or accelerator modeling, such as PIC simulations, kinetic or fluid models, and beam tracking codes, is advantageous. Prior exposure to high-performance computing environments and experience in large-scale or multi-institution scientific computing projects are beneficial. Strong programming and scripting skills in languages such as Python, C++, or Bash are required, along with an understanding of numerical methods for plasma modeling, beam dynamics, or high-energy physics simulations. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in contributing to algorithmic improvements, code development, and long-term modeling strategies for advanced accelerator concepts. The ability to work independently on challenging technical topics while effectively engaging with a wider modeling community is crucial, as are strong cross-disciplinary communication skills for interaction with simulation and experimental teams.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and to possess a professional background in Physics (applied, experimental, accelerator, or a related field). Candidates must 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. It is important that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
Candidates should have a professional background in physics, particularly in applied, experimental, or accelerator physics. The required experience level varies based on educational qualifications, with those holding a Master's degree expected to have 2 to 6 years of relevant post-graduation experience, while PhD holders should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. Experience with numerical simulations and scientific computing projects is highly beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the other language being essential. This bilingual requirement ensures effective communication within the diverse international team at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The position is fully onsite and involves a contract duration of 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 role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization. The job reference is BE-ABP-PEC-2026-35-GRAP, and the field of work is Applied Physics. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will also be provided.