Beamline for Schools & Beamline Development Scientist

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 over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), to explore the basic constituents of matter and the fundamental forces of nature. CERN's mission emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge, making it a hub for scientific excellence and discovery.

Job Overview:
The Beamline for Schools & Beamline Development Scientist position at CERN is a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about experimental physics and scientific outreach. This role is designed for candidates who are eager to contribute to both the educational aspects of the Beamline for Schools (BL4S) competition and the technical development of beamlines. The successful candidate will engage in hands-on work, supporting students in their experimental endeavors while also participating in the development of beamline infrastructure and simulations. This dual role requires a strong commitment to education and outreach, as well as technical expertise in particle physics and detector systems. The position is split evenly between supporting BL4S experiments and contributing to beamline development, making it ideal for those who thrive in collaborative environments and are excited about mentoring the next generation of physicists.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Beamline for Schools & Beamline Development Scientist include:

• Supporting BL4S Experiment (50% of the time): - Collaborate with the Education team to assist winning teams of the BL4S competition in planning, preparing, and executing their experiments. - Provide on-site training for students on detector systems, beamline operations, and data analysis techniques. - Develop and maintain data acquisition systems (DAQ) for BL4S experiments, ensuring they meet the necessary technical specifications. - Calibrate and integrate detectors, ensuring compatibility with BL4S software frameworks. - Guide students through data analysis and interpretation, providing support for publishing their results. - Participate in the selection process for the BL4S competition and offer technical support to teams preparing proposals.
• Beamline Development & Simulations (50% of the time): - Conduct beamline simulations using BDSIM/GEANT4 to optimize the beams delivered to experimental setups. - Support the development of upgrades for the East Area and North Area beamlines, collaborating with physicists, engineers, and technical staff on beamline infrastructure and experimental setups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in particle physics, detector systems, and data acquisition. Experience in simulating beamlines, particularly using BDSIM/GEANT4, is essential. Proficiency in software development, including languages such as C++, Python, and ROOT, is required for data analysis and experiment control. A passion for outreach and education is crucial, with prior experience in mentoring or teaching considered a significant advantage. Strong teamwork and communication skills are necessary to effectively collaborate with CERN staff, students, and external partners. Candidates must be fluent in English, and the ability to work in French would be an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have a professional background in Applied Physics or a related field. Candidates should hold 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:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background in Applied Physics or a related field, with specific experience requirements based on educational qualifications. Those with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of relevant post-graduation experience, while candidates with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This ensures that applicants have sufficient practical experience to contribute effectively to both the educational and technical aspects of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. While not required, the ability to work in French would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of colleagues and students.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date is set for June 1, 202

• The role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is BE-EA-LE-2025-46-GRAP. The compensation package includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs per month (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 will have access to on-the-job and formal training opportunities at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.