Source and Linac Physicist

Lead applied physicist role overseeing the Linac3 ion source at CERN, involving multiple physics domains and beam dynamics. Responsible for daily operations, long-term technical development, and ensuring high-performance delivery of heavy ion beams for CERN's accelerator complex.

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.
• Commission and operate the source, tuning it precisely to optimize performance and stability for Linac3 and downstream injectors, ensuring compliance with beam quality specifications for CERN ion runs and 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 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.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Engineering or a related field.
• 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 of the following codes would be an asset: IBSIM, SIMION, TRAVEL, TRACEWIN, PARMTEQ, RF-TRACK.
• Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of beam measurements data.

Skills

• Particle Source Design
• Particle Source Operation
• Applied Physics
• High-Voltage Equipment Handling
• Microwave Generator Operation
• Multi-Particle Simulation
• Beam Dynamics Studies
• Beam Measurement Analysis
• Vacuum Equipment Handling
• IBSIM
• SIMION
• TRAVEL
• TRACEWIN
• PARMTEQ
• RF-TRACK
• Experimental Techniques
• Accelerator Physics

Languages

English, French