Accelerator Physicist

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in the field of particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals, including physicists, engineers, and administrative staff. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing to our understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research and development.

Job Overview:
The position of Accelerator Physicist at CERN involves contributing to the design, optimization, and performance evaluation of a potential future collider. The role requires expertise in beam optics development and beam dynamics simulations, focusing on critical effects such as synchrotron radiation, beam-beam interactions, and impedance. The successful candidate will engage in the conceptual design phase of the collider study, proposing optimizations for both linear and nonlinear beam optics. This includes conducting tune scans and multi-objective optimization of the dynamic aperture, as well as maximizing machine performance and operational robustness. The physicist will also perform particle tracking studies across the collider's operating energy range, investigating the effects of beam-beam interactions, synchrotron radiation, and beam impedance. The position is integral to addressing key accelerator physics challenges, drawing on experience from the FCC-ee study, and requires strong communication skills to present technical and scientific results effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the conceptual design phase of the collider study, supporting the development and assessment of the collider design.
• Propose optimizations of the linear and nonlinear beam optics of the collider, including tune scans and multi-objective optimization of the dynamic aperture.
• Optimize collider parameters to maximize machine performance and operational robustness.
• Perform particle tracking studies for the collider across its operating energy range, including the effects of beam-beam interactions, synchrotron radiation, and beam impedance.
• Investigate key accelerator physics challenges for the collider, leveraging experience from the FCC-ee study.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective communication and integration of ideas.
• Present technical and scientific results clearly, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of beam dynamics in synchrotrons and/or storage rings.
• Experience with key beam dynamics effects relevant to lepton colliders, such as transverse coupling, beam-beam interactions, synchrotron radiation, or beam impedance.
• Proficiency in setting up, performing, and interpreting particle tracking simulations for accelerator physics studies.
• Experience with accelerator physics simulation and analysis tools, such as MAD-X, ELEGANT, pyAT, Xsuite, or equivalent software.
• Experience in running and managing large-scale simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to present technical and scientific results clearly, both orally and in writing.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a professional background in Physics or a related field. They should possess 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. Additionally, candidates must 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 a professional background in Physics or a related field, with specific experience in beam dynamics and accelerator physics. Candidates should have either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of relevant experience or a PhD with up to 3 years of experience. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate can effectively contribute to the complex tasks associated with collider design and optimization.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the working language at CERN. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration into the local community and workplace.

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 position offers hybrid job flexibility. The target start date for the role is November 1, 202

• The job reference is BE-ABP-CEI-2026-136-GRAP. 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.