Ion Beam Manipulation Physicist

Introduction

Are you a passionate and experienced physicist with expertise in ion beam production, manipulation, trapping, and purification? Join a collaborative team of professionals, including technicians, engineers, and scientists, and contribute to delivering the purest radioactive ion beams to the users at the CERN-ISOLDE facility.

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.

The Sources, Targets and Interactions Group (STI) in the Systems Department (SY) has a broad expertise on the interaction of beams with matter and applies its know-how to a large spectrum of activities including particle production, beam intercepting devices, studies on beam-matter interaction and nuclear engineering.

You will join the Lasers and Photocathodes Section (LP), responsible for the operation and development of the ISOLDE RILIS laser ion source and the photoinjectors delivering electron beams to CLEAR and AWAKE.

Functions

As a beam manipulation physicist, you will:

- Collaborate with the team to apply ion beam manipulation techniques, aiming to deliver purified and bunched beams that meet the requirements of the ISOLDE user community;
- Contribute to the general RILIS on-call operation;
- Work closely with the operations team and ISOLDE users in setting up special timing and synchronization schemes;
- Drive the use, development and simulation of highly specialized ion traps used at ISOLDE (e.g., ISCOOL, MR-TOF);
- Coordinate the development and implementation of new ion beam manipulation and ion detection infrastructure as part of the ISOLDE improvement program, in particular focusing on the beamgates renovation and beamswitching work-package;
- Support the ISOLDE Frontend redesign project, assisting in project management and contributing to the scientific and technical aspects, including mechanical design and testing;
- Collaborate on R&D activities within CERN, engaging with related CERN services and offering project management support;
- Supervise and mentor team members, while also providing training to technical staff.

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, nuclear materials or a related field.

Experience:

- Proven expertise in ion beam manipulation, purification techniques, and related diagnostics;
- Extensive hands-on experience with the operation, development, and simulation of advanced ion traps, including linear Paul traps and MR-TOF systems;
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex R&D projects, including the design and implementation of innovative beam control systems and ion detection technologies;
- Knowledge of laser technology, laser spectroscopy and nuclear physics;
- Experience in using or operating radioactive ion beam facilities would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

- Knowledge and application of beam production techniques;
- Analysis and optimization of accelerator performance;
- Simulation, design and development of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities;
- Operation and support of experimental facilities.

Behavioural competencies:

- Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point; utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
- Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
- Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- 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.
- Learning and sharing knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

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.

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 12.12.2024 at 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.
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
- Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-STI-LP-2024-159-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

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.