Job Description

Your responsibilities

The Radio Frequency Group (RF) within CERNs Accelerators Systems Department (SY), is looking for an Applied Physicist with experience in Machine Learning and Data Science.

The potential of Machine Learning is being explored thoroughly at CERN to improve the efficiency of the accelerator complex exploitation, notably for the operation of Radio Frequency systems. These systems are used to accelerate and define the longitudinal beam parameters, requiring regular fine tuning to ensure the best beam quality for the experiments. Maintaining the reliability of these complex systems to the highest level is a challenge demanding for new developments and approaches.

In this position, you will:

• Contribute to the development and large-scale deployment of models for online optimization of the beam parameters (e.g. through reinforcement learning);
• Propose innovative approaches to assist experts investigating for the root cause of the Radio Frequency system faults, anomaly detection, and predict failures in view of preventive maintenance; 
• Represent the Radio Frequency group and take part in the growing Machine Learning community for accelerator applications. 

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Experience in software development using Python;
• Experience in development of machine learning models; 
• Knowledge of applied electromagnetism;
• Basic knowledge of electronics for signal acquisition and processing. 

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of accelerator physics or beam dynamics would be an asset. 

Language skills:

• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Masters or PhD degree in Applied Physics (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: 03.03.2024 at 23:59h (midnight) CET.

Job reference: SY-RF-BR-2024-18-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-May-2024

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6194 and 6808 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.