Accelerator Physicist

Accelerator Physicist

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

August 23, 2026October 7, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
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 the field of particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among a diverse range of professionals.

Job Overview:
The Accelerator Physicist position at CERN involves contributing to the design and optimization of a potential future collider, specifically the Linear Collider Facility at 380 GeV (LCF380). The successful candidate will engage in various design aspects, perform beam dynamics simulations, and investigate interaction regions to enhance performance. This role requires a strong understanding of lepton beam dynamics and optics design, as well as the ability to analyze experimental data. The position is integral to the development of cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe, and the candidate will be expected to contribute to writing the summary design report, showcasing their findings and insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Accelerator Physicist include:
  • Working on the layout and optics design of the LCF38
  • Performing beam dynamics simulations to demonstrate the collider's performance.
  • Investigating interaction regions, including optics design and layout for a potential dual beam delivery system.
  • Optimizing the performance of damping rings.
  • Contributing to the writing of the summary design report, detailing the findings and recommendations based on simulations and analyses.
  • Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of physicists and engineers to ensure the successful development of the collider.
  • Engaging in presentations and discussions to communicate results and insights effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional background in Physics or a related field. They should 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. 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. Knowledge of accelerator physics codes and experience in particle tracking studies are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Physics or a closely related field. A strong foundation in lepton beam dynamics and optics design is crucial, as well as familiarity with accelerator physics codes such as MAD, Xsuite, ELEGANT, pyAT, and GuineaPig. Candidates should also have experience in running simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Physics, with specific experience in beam dynamics and optics design. For those with a Master's degree, 2 to 6 years of relevant post-graduation experience is necessary, while candidates with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This ensures that the selected candidate has adequate exposure to the field and can contribute effectively to the ongoing projects at CERN.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for integration into the CERN community and for effective communication within the organization.

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 flexibility model. The target start date for this position is November 1, 202
  • The job reference is BE-ABP-LNO-2026-138-GRAP. Compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 6,372 to 7,004 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.
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