Applied Physicist - Beam-Dust Interactions

Leads the design, construction and commissioning of an experimental set-up to investigate how dust grains affect high-energy particle beams. The physicist combines modelling and laboratory research to test charging and release mechanisms, reproduce beam-dust events and develop mitigation approaches that reduce beam losses in future CERN accelerator facilities.

• Design and develop a test stand for beam-dust interactions in accelerator environments
• Conduct research with beam-physics, machine-protection and vacuum-technology experts
• Develop physics models for charging and release of dust grains on conducting and insulating surfaces
• Design and execute experimental tests to validate theoretical models
• Investigate controlled methods to produce and reproduce beam-dust interaction events
• Propose mitigation strategies to minimise dust-induced beam losses in future accelerators

• Master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation, or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience
• Physics or related studies
• National of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State
• Spoken and written English with a commitment to learn French
• No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract

• Experience with numerical simulations and scientific computing

• Particle Accelerators
• Beam Physics
• Classical Electrodynamics
• Physics Modelling
• Laboratory Experimentation
• Measurement Analysis
• Scientific Computing
• Experimental Design
• Beam Loss Mitigation

• Python
• MATLAB

• Graduate programme
• Contract duration: 24 months
• CV may be submitted in English or French
• Potential contract extension up to 36 months