Accelerator Operator Job in Europe > Switzerland > Geneva, , Switzerland

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. They use the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter, the fundamental particles. The particles are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives the physicists clues about how the particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Accelerator Operator Job Description

Accelerator Operator in the Beam Department (BE), Operations Group (OP), Proton Synchrotron Booster Section (PSB).

The Operations Group is responsible for the operation of the entire CERN accelerator complex, which currently consists of four linacs, six synchrotrons and seven experimental areas. In addition to the varied proton, antiproton and heavy ion experimental programs, the complex also supplies protons and heavy ions to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In the Proton Synchrotron Booster section you will be at the heart of the preparation of proton beams for the varied physics programs at CERN.

You will join: 

• The Beams Department (BE), responsible for the beam production, beam and accelerator physics, beam diagnostics, radiofrequency, controls and performance optimization for the entire CERN accelerator complex including the LHC.
• The Operations Group (OP), responsible for the operation of all CERN's present and future accelerators, their associated Experimental Areas and for monitoring the overall technical infrastructure at CERN. Further details on the operations group can be found at: https://be-dep-op.web.cern.ch/(link is external).
• The Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB) Section, comprising a dynamic team of 8 staff, which is providing proton beams for all downstream machines including the LHC and for all connected Experimental Areas. Further details on the PSB Section can be found at: http://be-dep-op-psb.web.cern.ch/(link is external).

• Be part of the 24/7 shift team that runs CERN's accelerator complex.
• Oversee the operation of the Linac 2/4 and PSB accelerators and the associated Experimental Facility ISOLDE on a shift basis, ensuring the application of safety rules.
• Work closely with accelerator physicists and setup and optimize the accelerator operation.
• Outside periods of shifts, and after a training period, you will participate in software or hardware related development and maintenance for one or more of the accelerators in the complex, either under the supervision of an engineer within the OP group or within the framework of a specialized equipment group in the department.
• Outside periods of accelerator operation, assist the technical infrastructure team with the operation of CERN's technical infrastructure, if required.

• Monitoring the accelerator and beam production status and act promptly in case of issues arising.
• Adjusting machine parameters in order to ensure beam characteristics for the experiments are according to the specifications, using a large range of diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshooting beam physics and technical accelerator related problems, using a range of powerful diagnostic tools, perform data analysis and ensure a solution will be implemented with the expert support from the different equipment Groups.
• Taking initiative in the optimisation of the Linac 2/4 and PSB accelerator performance individually or in close collaboration with the team of accelerator physicists by preparing and performing machine tests, measurements and accelerator studies.

Accelerator Operator Job Requirements

Qualification required
Higher technical diploma in the field of physics, computing, electronics, electricity or electro-mechanics, or equivalent.

Experience and competencies
The technical competencies required for this post are:

• Accelerator operation.
• Accelerator performance analysis & optimization.
• Commissioning & maintenance of electro-mechanical equipment.
• Programming/Software development: knowledge of Java would be an asset.

• Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in routine situations or the willingness to acquire it rapidly

Accelerator Operator Application Information

Eligibility conditions
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 24.09.2017.

By applying here, you allow CERN to consider your application for any position it considers relevant with respect to your profile. Please ensure you update your profile regularly with any relevant information and that you inform the recruitment service if you wish your file to be removed from the database.

Note on Employment Conditions
We offer a limited-duration contract for a period of 5 years. Limited-duration contracts shall terminate by default on their date of expiry.
Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Shift work, including nights, Sundays and public holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and public holidays.
• Work in radiation areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence is required.

Accelerator Operator Summary

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