Particle Accelerator Operator (BE-OP-PSB-2025-41-LD)

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 curious about science and technology?

We invite you to take your career to an exciting new level by joining the team of operators who run the CERN accelerator complex in the CERN Control Centre (CCC). Join Team CCC! CERN, take part!

The Operations Group is responsible for the exploitation of the entire CERN accelerator complex and its technical infrastructure, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), running a rich proton, antiproton and heavy ion experimental programme. You will be at the heart of the preparation of particle beams for the different physics programs at CERN.

See what life is like as an Operator in the CERN Control Centre by watching the video at the end of this description.

Functions

As an Accelerator Operator of the Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB), you will:

• Take part in the 24/7 shift team which runs CERN’s accelerator complex.
• Oversee the operation of the PSB accelerator and the beam lines to the associated experimental facilities on a shift basis, ensuring the safe execution of the physics schedule and obtaining the beam performance goals.
• Work closely with accelerator physicists to set up and optimize the accelerator operation and to design, document, commission and optimise various operational scenarios.
• Participate in software or hardware related development as part of a team or in collaboration with engineers or physicists within the OP group or within a specialized equipment group.
• Outside periods of accelerator operation, assist the technical infrastructure team with the operation of CERN’s technical infrastructure, if required.

Qualifications

Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of physics, engineering, computing or a related field.

Experience:

The experience required for this post is:

• Initial work experience in a technical or scientific environment.
• Experience in the field of physics, engineering or computing.
• Experience in the field of software engineering in object-oriented development language environment, e.g. JAVA and/or Python experience would be an asset.

The following would be an advantage:

• Experience in the field of operating large facilities and their associated hardware (e.g. measurement devices, power converter techniques, vacuum equipment, PLCs, work in controlled radiation areas, etc.).

Technical competencies:

• Operation of accelerators: or a complex facility or process.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: ideally Java and/or Python
• Development of application software

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities

Language skills:

Fluent in English or French. The successful candidate is expected to learn the other language, and we offer language courses to support this.

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 02.04.2025.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Shift work, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 3-4

Job reference: BE-OP-PSB-2025-41-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Accelerator/Industrial Process Operations Technician

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further