Applied Physicist - Plasma Simulations (BE-ABP-PEC-2026-35-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.

Your responsibilities

• 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 meters, 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.

Your profile

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Eligibility criteria:

• 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:• 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.

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

This position involves:

• 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

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 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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