Job Description

The project focuses on advanced beam dynamics studies. Building on beam tests at the LHC completed in 2025 as part of the TWOCRYST experiment, the work will analyse data from a fixed-target setup using bent crystals. You will support studies for a future experiment, including evaluating required machine modifications and timelines.

Working with detector and instrumentation teams, you will investigate beam-matter interactions, crystal channeling, and background sources. After additional data-taking in 2026, you will analyse beam measurements and assess future performance, combining modelling, simulation, and experimental data contributing to the Physics Beyond Colliders initiative at CERN.

Your responsibilities:

• Beam dynamics simulation of beam loss and collimation process.
• Data analysis of past and future LHC data collected with the double-crystal setup.
• Design of future layouts for future fixed-target setups.

Your profile:

• Knowledge of Accelerator Physics in particular linear and non-linear beam dynamics.
• Experience with computing techniques for Accelerator Physics.

Skills:

• Strong programming and scripting skills (e.g. Python, C++, or equivalent scientific computing languages).
• Ability to work independently on challenging technical topics while engaging effectively with a wider modelling community.
• Interest in beam collimation and beam loss studies for accelerators.
• Interest in contribution to design studies for future LHC fixed-target experiments.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
• You have a professional background in Physics, Engineering (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 29.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-June-2026

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: BE-ABP-NDC-2026-77-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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