Applied Physicist - Penning Trap (BE-ABP-PEC-2026-38-GRAP)

Job Description 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