Job Description

Your responsibilities

The International Muon Collider Collaboration (IMCC) has made significant progresses in the conceptual design of a Muon Collider (MC) aimed at exploring the fundamental properties of particles at the energy frontier. A key focus of this effort is the development of the MC’s magnet systems, particularly the Ultra-High-Field (UHF) solenoids needed for the final cooling stage.

Recently, CERN presented a conceptual design for a 40 T solenoid with very compact coils. This fully superconducting magnet, designed to operate at 4.2 K using ReBCO tapes, features a 50 mm free bore with 1% field homogeneity over a 0.5 m length. The solenoid consists of several dozen Non/Metal-Insulated (N/M-I) single pancakes, stacked longitudinally and supported radially by a robust mechanical structure. This structure also applies a 200 MPa radial precompression to counteract the stresses induced by the Lorentz forces. Except for a few pancakes at the magnet’s ends, all are identical, with an outer winding radius of 90 mm.

Mastering the challenges of the final cooling solenoid will open technology pathways crucial to many of the magnet types required for the MC. Several activities are on-going at CERN, spanning from magnet conceptual and engineering design (electromagnetics, mechanics, quench protection), to procurement and characterization of ReBCO tape superconductors (electrical, mechanical, micro-structural), tooling and manufacturing of first demonstration coils. We are presently initiating fabrication of parts and assembly of small solenoids, towards initial testing of pancake stacks (20 T class), including known critical areas such as joints, quench detection and protection, and the effect of screening currents.

You will join the team of scientists and technicians working on the demonstration of HTS solenoid technology to:

• Assist in integrating and overseeing all the activities initiated at CERN for the development of the MC magnets, and particularly the final cooling solenoid;

• Contribute to the implementation of the planned activities, particularly quench detection studies and, the manufacturing and testing of sub-scale pancakes and solenoids;

• Participate in the design of various HTS solenoids for the MC.

Your profile

Skills

• Demonstrated experience in the field of electromagnetics, and/or thermodynamics, and/or superconductivity;
• Experience in the field of superconducting magnet technology, especially HTS, would be an asset;
• 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 Electrical engineering / 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: 9 January 2025 at 23h59 CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: TE-MPE-PE-2024-184-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 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.