CERN: Applied Physicist (Magnetic and beam-based Modeling) -Zurich

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    2 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Nuclear Sciences
  • Deadline:
    09/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description

Your responsibilities

As an applied physicist, you will join the Linear and Non-Linear Optics Section (LNO) within the Accelerator and Beam Physics Group (ABP) under the Beams Department (BE), where you will be working on Magnetic and beam-based Modeling in CERN synchrotrons.

For the first time in 60 years of operation, it has been shown that we can develop magnetic models of the Proton Synchrotron (PS) main magnets to accurately predict changes in tune and chromaticity as energy increases.
This involved improving the magnetic model of the complex PS main magnets and refining the MAD-X optics models that estimate parameters based on OPERA predictions. It also required very careful setup of the optics measurements for comparison.

As an Applied Physicist, you will continue this work:

  • Extend the existing model to cover the eddy currents and pole face windings as well as providing data for hysteresis modelling;
  • Develop and Benchmark a magnetic and optics model for the LEIR bending dipole, using beam measurements;
  • Depending on the progress made, improve models in the AD and PSB.

Your profile

Skills

  • Knowledge of magnetic modeling including dynamic effects and experience with linear and non-linear optics measurements;
  • Fluent in English.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Applied physicist (or a related field) and 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.
  • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 05.01.2025 at 23:59h (midnight) CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job reference: BE-ABP-LNO-2024-183-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

  • A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
  • Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year.
  • On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization 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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements