Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you looking for unprecedented challenges in the world’s largest and most amazing scientific instrument? Do you have experience in carrying out studies based on low-temperature physics? Then join CERN central cryogenic laboratory. Take Part!

You will join the Cryogenics Group, which is in charge of the design, construction, commissioning and operation of the cryogenic systems for CERN’s accelerators and detectors, of the operation, maintenance and upgrade of cryogenic test facilities, as well as of the management of the industrial support contract for maintenance and operation of cryogenic systems. It also provides support for low-temperature developments and experiments at the Central Cryogenic Laboratory as well as consultancy and support in cryogenic design and cryogenic instrumentation.

Within this group, the Cryolab (CL) section is responsible for the CERN central cryogenic laboratory. This lab is a research facility for systems working in a temperature range down to 50 mK, equipped with about ten test stands. The research program is based on demands specified by the CERN community and is varying from short duration experiments (several days) up to subjects covered by complete PhD programs. The diversity of people working in the laboratory, from CERN employees to students, makes it a lively environment and an attractive place to work.

Functions

As an engineer in thermodynamics or applied physicist in the Cryolab section, you will be working on the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of cryogenic test stations for the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative. In a first instance a test station shall be constructed to run a RF cavity for Axion searches at temperatures down to about 800 mK, while in the second half of the contract period a test station shall be designed and constructed to be used in the development of Transition Edge Sensors operational down to the 100’s mK region.

The design and fabrication of these laboratory test stands shall be done in collaboration with the future users of these test stations, with Cryolab colleagues and with external experts and shall be based on thermodynamic calculations and simulations. The guiding of technical students, PhD students or fellows participating to your studies, will be part of your responsibility.

Your functions will include:

• Collect the theoretical and experimental requirements to be translated in project and research activities
• Conceive the low temperature tests stations in collaboration with their future users and design, build and commission the low-temperature test stations accordingly
• Operate the test stations and analyze the low-temperature data to continuously improve the thermodynamic conditions for the experiments mounted on these stations
• Guide, advice and teach the graduates working on the project on their cryogenic/thermodynamic topics and more globally support the Cryolab colleagues in your role as expert
• Ensure interfacing and reporting to various stakeholders from within the Quantum Technology Initiative and beyond if necessary
• Represent the Organization at conferences, workshops, or in other research laboratories and institutions

Qualifications

Master’s degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics, thermodynamics, mechanical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in the development of the conceptual design of complex scientific instruments
• Demonstrated experience in the construction follow-up and in the performance of low temperature experiments, and in the analysis of the data collected through these experiments
• Experience in the field of thermodynamic modeling of complex cryogenic systems with numerical tools

Technical competencies:

• Design, analysis and optimization of thermal systems
• Knowledge and application of numerical modelling in fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer
• Knowledge and application of thermal and/or fluid measurement techniques
• Knowledge and application of thermodynamics and energetics
• Development of application software

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: thinking “out of the box” and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language or the undertaking to acquire it rapidly.

Additional Information

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 18.05.2024

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-CRG-CL-2024-56-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further