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 interested in the challenges of designing, operating, maintaining and developing complex gas distribution and recuperation systems for particle physics detectors of CERN’s Large- Hadron-Collider? Do you want to participate in the development of the next generation gas plants to cope with the most demanding requirements of future experiments at CERN? If you are passionate about groundbreaking research and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you!

You will join:

• The Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics in a stimulating scientific atmosphere, standing as an important reference for the physics community. It also contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
• The Detector Technologies (DT) Group, participating in the development, construction, operation and maintenance of particle detectors and their technical infrastructure for the LHC experiments and several other experiments at CERN.
• The Fluidic Systems Section, which is in charge of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of fluidic systems (gas and cooling) for detectors in CERN experiments. It has also mandate to perform selective R&D in areas relevant to novel detector thermal management, gas recuperation plants, and for the upgrade of the existing systems in view of higher detector performances and sustainable operation.

Functions

As Applied Physicist in the Fluidic Systems Section, you will:

• Participate in the design and construction of new gas distribution and recuperation systems for particle physics detectors, evaluating the needed performances with respect to the detector operation.
• Participate in the maintenance and operation of about 30 existing gas systems at CERN.
• Contribute to the R&D program of the gas team, focused on the search and validation of new gas mixtures, the development of new gas systems to enhance the detector performances and reduce the Global Warming Potential (GWP).
• Assume a leading role in the design of Process Control functional analysis, proposing innovative solutions and operating methods in agreement with the experiments.
• Take responsibility for the configuration, programming and use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems (WinCC-OA), PLC (Schneider and Siemens) and fieldbus (Profibus and CANbus).

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Solid knowledge about particle physics detectors, their operation and maintenance.
• Experience in the design, operation and performance evaluation of gas distribution and recuperation systems for particle physics detectors.
• Proven understanding of effects related to gas mixture composition for particle detectors.
• Design, commissioning and operation of PLC based control systems for complex processes with experience of both PLC and SCADA systems, including related documentation for user requirements, functional analysis, quality assurance etc.
• Experience in scientific publication and presentation.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of gas based particle detection technologies
• Design, construction, operation and maintenance of detector gas distribution systems
• Functional analysis of control systems
• Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems (PLC, SCADA)

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind Driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
• Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available Assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely. Testing solutions for long-term suitability, cross-checking with all concerned before implementation.
• Working in Teams: supporting and acting in accordance with team decisions; accepting joint responsibility for team successes and shortcomings Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships Contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 5 January 2025, 23:59 CET.

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:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DT-FS-2024-173-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist