Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you ready to take responsibility in the CERN Control Centre for the effective and safe operation of the LHC during commissioning, operation and machine development? Take part!

The Operations Group within the Beams department is responsible for the operation of the CERN accelerator complex and its technical infrastructure, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), running a varied proton, antiproton and heavy ion experimental programme.

The LHC is currently operating at a record energy of 6.8 TeV during Run 3 and will enter a three-year shutdown for the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) upgrade, set to begin in 2030. This upgrade will significantly increase beam intensities, achieving luminosity values five times higher than the original design. Commissioning new systems and operating with higher intensities will pose unprecedented challenges, requiring precise beam physics modelling, advanced control systems, and attention to the new HL-LHC hardware. The LHC operation team develops software to enhance automation and secure modelling for the upgrade.

You will contribute to Run 3, HL-LHC preparation, system integration, and data analysis to optimize efficiency, working closely with various teams in the Beams Department and across the Accelerator Technology Sector.

Functions

As an Engineer-in-Charge in the BE-OP-LHC section, you will:

• Be part of the 24/7 shift team which runs CERN’s accelerator complex;
• Take responsibility in the CERN Control Centre for the operation of the LHC during your shift in all operational phases: equipment and beam commissioning, regular operation and machine developments;
• Acquire a thorough knowledge of the various accelerator hardware systems, the associated controls software and their intricated dependency, as well as the underlying accelerator physics;
• Outside of shift work, actively contribute to advancing the machine’s performance through participation in machine development studies, the design and implementation of new accelerator systems, and the creation of software tools to improve accelerator control;
• Proactively lead efforts to optimize the LHC’s performance and streamline operational processes by identifying areas for improvement and driving solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications

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

Experience:

The main requirement for this role is hands-on experience in the commissioning, control, or operation of accelerators and their associated systems.

Candidates must demonstrate experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Accelerator physics;
• Software development using Java or Python;
• Control systems and data analysis techniques;
• Commissioning and operation of complex accelerator systems;
• Design and construction of accelerator components.

Technical competencies:

• Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance;
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: in particular Java and Python;
• Operation and commissioning of accelerators;
• Knowledge of accelerator physics and its application;
• Knowledge of complex hardware systems and their associated control software used in large-scale scientific or industrial environments.

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.
• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented; demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Demonstrating flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working; actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies; being willing to work on different projects simultaneously.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English; willingness 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 Organization. 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 November 12th, 2024 by 23:59.

Employment Conditions

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

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Shift work, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-OP-LHC-2024-150-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist