What you'll do
Within the Beam department (BE) and the Accelerator and Beam Physics group (ABP), join the Hadron Sources and Linacs section (HSL) at CERN as a lead applied physicist overseeing the Linac3 ion source, a role bringing together multiple physics domains coupled with beam dynamics, including high voltages, high magnetic fields, plasma heating with microwaves, the delivery of gases and vapours into vacuum systems as well as x-ray generation and shielding. You will ensure the high-performance delivery of heavy ion beams, driving both daily operations and long-term technical development of the system providing particle beams for one of the world's most unique accelerator complexes, serving fixed-target users and the LHC.
Your responsibilities
Coordinate and participate in the Linac3 ion source assembly and maintenance activities during technical stops and shutdowns to ensure preparation for high-availability operation.
As the expert in-charge, commission and operate the source, tuning it precisely to optimize performance and stability for Linac3 and the downstream injectors, ensuring compliance with beam quality specifications for CERN ion runs and various tests.
Design and implement technical solutions to test and validate the production of different ion species requested for future physics programmes.
Be part of the machine expert team, contributing to broader beam operations and participating in the on-call service rotation to ensure 24/7 injector reliable operation.
Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team including physicists, engineers, technicians and students.
Conduct advanced beam measurements and data analysis to characterize Linac3 performance and identify areas for optimisation.
Contribute to the design studies and execution of upgrades for the CERN ion injector complex, focusing on source technology and low energy beam transport (LEBT).
Contribute to other BE-ABP-HSL activities through beam dynamics design, simulations and commissioning for present and future hadron linacs and sources under the section's responsibility.
Your profile
Demonstrated experience of work in the design and/or operation of particle sources for accelerators or in a related scientific field.
Hands-on experience with particle sources or other similar scientific equipment, including the use of different materials for equipment design and handling for equipment use in vacuum.
Hands-on experience with high-voltage equipment or microwave generators.
Experience with multi-particle simulation codes for sources and linacs. Experience with one or more the following codes would be an asset: IBSIMU, SIMION, TRAVEL, TRACEWIN, PARMTEQ, RF-TRACK.
Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of beam measurements data.
Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Engineering or a related field.
Your skills
Simulation, design and development of beam sources.
Operation of accelerators.
Analysis and optimisation of accelerator performance.
Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems.
Organisation, planning and control.
Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions.
Addresses complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
Delivers presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusts style and content to the audience; responds calmly and confidently to questions.
Makes timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; deals with difficulties in a timely manner.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.