Applied Physicist

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific discovery. The organization operates large-scale research facilities, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions, contributing to our understanding of the universe.

Job Overview:
As an Applied Physicist at CERN, you will play a crucial role in the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) project, which aims to significantly enhance the performance of the Large Hadron Collider by increasing its integrated luminosity six-fold. Your primary responsibilities will include assessing limitations and identifying mitigations for collective effects, particularly those arising from beam-induced impedance. You will be expected to improve existing forecasting models and assessment tools related to impedance effects and develop new methods to enhance the accuracy of beam-based impedance measurements. This position requires a strong background in accelerator and beam physics, as well as experience in scientific writing and software development, particularly in Python. You will be involved in multibunch simulations using advanced codes and will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new measurement techniques and models.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess limitations and identify mitigations for impedance effects in relation to HL-LHC beam parameters.
• Improve the current forecasting model and assessment tool for impedance effects and mitigation strategies.
• Develop new methods to enhance the accuracy and precision of beam-based impedance measurements, focusing on both short- and long-range wake regimes.
• Conduct multibunch simulations using state-of-the-art codes such as Xsuite/Xwakes and DELPHI/e-DELPHI.
• Improve and document existing codes, including Xwakes, the LHC impedance model, and Vlasov solvers, as necessary.
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure effective communication and integration of findings into the broader HL-LHC project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess knowledge of accelerator and beam physics, as well as a solid understanding of collective effects, particularly impedance effects. Proficiency in electromagnetism and electrodynamics is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in software development, ideally using Python, and familiarity with measurement techniques, whether bench-based or beam-based. Strong problem-solving skills and good communication abilities are also required, along with a commitment to learn French if not already proficient.

Educational Background:
Applicants should have a professional background in Physics, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience is required, or alternatively, a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Candidates must also be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience in the field of physics or engineering, with a preference for those who have worked on projects related to accelerator physics or beam dynamics. A minimum of 2 years of post-graduation experience is expected for Master's degree holders, while PhD holders should have up to 3 years of relevant experience.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a valuable asset for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This 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 in radiation areas, as well as during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is BE-ABP-CEI-2026-53-GRAP. 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 health insurance coverage and a relocation package.