Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you excited about advancing cutting-edge beam instrumentation?

Join CERN and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art technologies for particle beam diagnostics, including for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) during its High-Luminosity upgrade (HL-LHC). You will also play a role in forward-looking studies for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

Within the Accelerator Systems Department, the Beam Instrumentation Group (SY-BI) is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining instruments that allow observation of particle beams and measurement of related parameters for all CERN accelerators, transfer lines, and secondary beam lines. This includes all systems designed and exploited to monitor transverse and longitudinal beam distributions for the LHC.

Functions

We are looking to recruit two professionals to join the Beam Instrumentation Group, each supporting a different team with unique technical challenges and exciting opportunities for innovation.

One position will join the transverse Profile Monitoring (PM) section whereas the other position will join the Instrumentation for High-Precision and Ultra-Fast Measurements (IQ) section.

Position for Beam Synchrotron Radiation and Transverse Diagnostics (PM Section):

• Lead the coordination and operation of Beam Synchrotron Radiation (BSR) systems, driving the full lifecycle across the LHC and HL-LHC, from preparation and commissioning to maintenance and future upgrades.
• Spearhead technical development of BSR diagnostics, including detector design and optical system optimisation.
• Lead R&D activities related to transverse beam diagnostics for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), developing innovative instrumentation for small and intense beams, often in collaboration with international partner institutes.

Position for High-Resolution Longitudinal Diagnostics (IQ Section):

• Coordinate developments in high temporal resolution diagnostics of intra-bunch motion and longitudinal beam profiles, using primarily non-invasive techniques such as electro-optical devices, Synchrotron and Polarisation radiation.
• Lead R&D efforts for longitudinal diagnostics for the FCC, working closely with academic and research partners to develop next-generation solutions.

For both positions:

• Provide scientific and technical support for the design, commissioning, and performance evaluation of other beam instrumentation systems (e.g., beam imaging systems, beam current monitors, and related diagnostics).
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students contributing to the Group’s projects.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics or engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience:

• Solid background in accelerator physics, accelerator technologies, electromagnetism, and physical optics.
• Knowledge of particle and radiation interaction with matter, general beam instrumentation methodologies, and associated control/DAQ systems.
• Simulation, design, and development of optical systems, preferably related to transverse and longitudinal beam size measurements.
• Signal transmission via optical fibers.

Desired experience:

• Experience with laboratory instruments such as optics measurement devices, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and network analyzers.
• Knowledge of electronics and its application to data acquisition systems.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of electromagnetic radiation propagation and interaction with matter
• Knowledge and application of instrumentation and measurement techniques
• Simulation, design and development of optical systems: and laser-based systems.
• Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components.
• Simulation, design and development of beam instrumentation for particle accelerators.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 19.10.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-BI-2025-189-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist