Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets (EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP)

This project focuses on the conceptual designs and conductor studies for large superconducting detector magnets planned for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) at CERN, the proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider.

The work involves designing large superconducting solenoids that generate strong magnetic fields to help identify and measure particles produced in electron-positron collisions.

Responsibilities include analytical and finite-element studies of magnet windings, including thermal behavior, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.

The role also includes supporting conductor R&D through studies and prototyping of low- and high-temperature superconductors. Additional tasks involve manufacturing, testing and characterising conductor samples for their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct conceptual and finite-element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.
• Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications.
• Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors.
• Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing, and experimental testing campaigns.
• Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

• Background in superconductivity and superconducting technologies.
• Experience with superconducting magnet design and superconductor studies.
• Knowledge of materials science and characterisation techniques.
• Familiarity with experimental physics and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with analytical and finite-element analysis methods.

Skills:

• Finite element analysis skills using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL.
• Capability to conduct experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups, and execution of measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation.
• Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments.
• Independent work and autonomous management of tasks.
• Ability to present and document the outcome of studies
• Ability to supervise students or junior contributors.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in 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.