Applied Physicist - Penning Trap (BE-ABP-PEC-2026-38-GRAP)
You will contribute to improving the performance of a Penning trap used in the HIE-ISOLDE post-accelerator to accumulate, cool and bunch high-intensity radioactive ion beams prior to charge breeding and acceleration. The work includes mechanical design and modification of internal trap components, production follow-up and quality assurance, as well as assembly and functional testing. You will also perform simulations of non-neutral plasmas and participate in experimental studies with Paul traps. Working within a small, collaborative team, you will apply and expand expertise in ion-trapping physics through both theoretical and hands-on activities.
Your responsibilities
- Be in charge of producing a complete spare of the internal drift-tube structure of a Penning trap.
- Investigate and identify the reason for the occasional discharges occurring inside the Penning trap and thereafter suggest and implement mitigating actions.
- Suggest modifications to the injection stage in order to increase the general transmission efficiency from a present value of ~50% up to >80%.
- Implement models of a Penning trap and Electron Beam Ion Source in the particle tracking program RF-Track and perform space-charge investigations.
- Follow the acceptance test of an externally purchased superconducting solenoid that should act as spare, with focus on the magnetic field measurements and the operational aspects of the new magnet.
- Participate in cooling and bunching tests of light ions inside an RFQ cooler-buncher of Paul trap type.
More information here.
Your profile
- Profound experience from operation of Penning traps and hardware intervention of such.
- Previous work with CAD programs.
- Experience from Particle-In-Cell simulation programs or similar for charged particles.
- Familiarity of high-voltage installations.
- Knowledge of RFQ cooler-bunchers / Paul traps.
Skills
- In-depth understanding of Penning traps and non-neutral plasmas.
- Knowhow about mechanical design and BricsCAD, CATIA or similar design programs.
- Proficiency in Python.
- CST particle tracking, RF-track or similar charged particle simulation packages.
- 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 (applied, experimental or accelerator (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: 29.03.2026 at 23:59 CET.
Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Job flexibility: Hybrid
Target start date: 01-May-2026
This position involves:
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.
Job reference: BE-ABP-PEC-2026-38-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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