Applied Physicist in Research and Development of Advanced Gaseous Detector Technologies

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 an Applied Physicist working on the development of novel detection techniques based on gaseous radiation detectors fostering novel approaches and concepts for the next generation of experiments at colliders and beyond? Then seize the opportunity and join the Detector Technology group operating at the heart of CERN’s Experimental Physics Department. Within our team, you will contribute to the development and construction of leading-edge technical solutions for the next generation of particle detectors. The activity will be carried on in strong collaboration with the worldwide gaseous detector community and in particular within the international RD51 collaboration: https://rd51-public.web.cern.ch/. Take part!

You will join:
 

• The Experimental Physics (EP) Department which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics in a stimulating scientific atmosphere, standing as an important reference for the European physics community. It also contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
   

The Detector Technologies (DT) group which is in charge of the development, construction, operation and maintenance of many particle detectors and their technical infrastructure for the different experiments at CERN. EP-DT Website: http://ep-dep-dt.web.cern.ch
 

• The Detector Development (DD) section provides expertise in various fields of detector technologies. It also comprises the operation of several facilities for detector R&D, such as the Wire Bonding and Interconnect facility and the Quality and Reliability Assurance lab, dedicated laboratories for the characterization of semiconductor and gaseous detectors, and it operates the EP irradiation facilities.

Functions

The selected candidate will play an important role in the development of new radiation detector concepts for future experiments and applications based on the implementation of new technologies and novel ideas. Detector design, prototype building and testing, development and procurement of instrumentation, preparation of testing facilities are general functions connected to this job.

Specific functions of this job will be: 

• Research and development on gaseous detector technologies.
• Research and development on solid converters and photocathodes.
• Optimization of readout systems, charge and photon based, to cope with different project-driven requirements (energy, space, time resolution).
• Exploring novel detector manufacturing techniques.
• Supporting research studies focused on specific applications and experiments.
• Supervision and training of CERN doctoral students and fellows.
• Dissemination of know-how and knowledge of gaseous detector.
• Support the activities of the international RD51 collaboration for the advancement of technological development and application of Micro Pattern Gas Detector.

Qualifications

PhD in physics or equivalent relevant experience in the field of physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated post-doctoral experience in the field of particle physics.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of research and development.
• Demonstrated contribution to the development of new detector concepts.
• Experience in detector prototyping and building. 
• Experience in charge and optical readout of gas based detectors.
• Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization and of the hosted experiments.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of gas based particle detection technologies: frontier research on Micro Pattern Gas Detector technologies for their implementation in HEP applications and beyond.
• Simulation, design and development of (parts of) detectors: detectors engineering towards their use in future experiments.
• Simulation, design and development of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities: laboratory and test beam infrastructures for gaseous detector characterization.
• Analysis and optimization of detector performance: definition and interpretation of detector characterization techniques. Application driven optimization improving of all the parts (primary signal, amplification and transfer, readout) affecting the detector response.
• Assembly and integration of detectors: developments of fully functional prototypes for conceptual studies and applications.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind Following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Creating vision and strategic partnerships: recognizing the benefits of collaboration with external partners, understanding their functioning and developing a strong network within the sector.
• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 10.11.2021 at 12PM CET. 

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.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DT-DD-2021-112-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist