Applied Physicist - Plasma Simulations; BE-ABP-PEC--GRAP

You will contribute to the preparation of a world-leading plasma accelerator experiment within an international collaboration. The project focuses on advanced simulation and modelling for Run 2 of the AWAKE experiment, scheduled to restart proton‑beam operations in 2029 after CERN’s Long Shutdown 3. You will develop, benchmark and apply state‑of‑the‑art plasma wakefield simulation tools to model beam‑plasma interactions, including AWAKE’s long proton drive bunches and high‑quality electron acceleration.

Tasks include optimisation studies, parameter scans, and start‑to‑end simulations, as well as exploratory studies of extended plasma stages supporting future particle physics applications.

• Develop and advance wakefield simulations tailored to long, self‑modulated proton drive bunches, addressing one of AWAKE’s central modelling challenges.
• Carry out simulation studies of witness electron‑beam acceleration, including optimisation of the electron, proton, and plasma parameters for Run 2.
• Evaluate electron beam quality after acceleration (energy, energy spread, emittance, charge) and investigate strategies for achieving controlled properties.
• Develop and conduct full start‑to‑end simulations of the Run 2 scenarios, from self‑modulation development through electron injection through acceleration and extraction.
• Investigate electron beam acceleration in scalable plasma sources of several tens of metres, assessing beam characteristics for future particle physics applications.
• Contribute to the coordination AWAKE simulation activities, including alignment of tools, sharing of best practices, and support to junior collaborators working on simulations.
• Work in close collaboration with the experimental team to ensure that numerical studies accurately reflect operational conditions and provide input to design decisions and technical specifications.

• Background in computational physics, accelerator physics, plasma physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience with numerical simulations or particle‑on‑cell/beam‑dynamics codes.
• Familiarity with plasma or accelerator modelling (e.g. PIC simulations, kinetic or fluid models, beam tracking codes) is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to high‑performance computing environments is beneficial.
• Experience in working on large‑scale or multi‑institution scientific computing projects is beneficial.

• Strong programming and scripting skills (e.g. Python, C++, Bash, or equivalent scientific computing languages).
• Understanding of numerical methods for plasma modelling, beam dynamics, or high‑energy physics simulations.
• Interest in contribution to algorithmic improvements, code development, and long‑term modelling strategies for advanced accelerator concepts.
• Ability to work independently on challenging technical topics while engaging effectively with a wider modelling community.
• Strong cross‑disciplinary communication skills for efficient interaction with simulation and experimental teams.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Physics (applied, experimental, accelerator or a related field) and have either:
  • 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.

Job closing date:
26.03.2026 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:
Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01‑July‑2026

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

Job reference: BE-ABP-PEC-2026-35-GRAP

Field of work:
Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 100020 - Research Physicist

• A monthly stipend between  Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On‑the‑job and formal training including language classes.

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