Computational Physicist

About us

At CERN, the European Organisation 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. 

Job description

The High Field Magnets Programme requires rigorous R&D into high-performance, innovative quench protection systems. Increasingly complex and computationally intensive simulations are required.

This is particularly the case for HTS where 3D simulation is often needed due to slower quench propagation. Finite Element (FE) models could calculate 3D problems and resolve appropriate geometry and solution-level details. However, for large magnets, the 3D simulation is rarely well served by the computing power of a single machine.

Batch service capabilities exist at CERN and are grouped into High-Throughput Computing (HTC) using individual nodes and High-Performance Computing (HPC) using parallel computing applications running with Message Passing Interface (MPI). Both capabilities are already being used. However, there is a strong need to further increase the capabilities, standardization, and ease of use for design engineers.

This project aims to develop more user-friendly methods to perform HTC and HPC simulations. The key part of the work will be to improve and develop approaches to maximize performance and efficiency. In particular, methodologies for parallel-in-time and parallel-in-space will be investigated.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop finite element models, solution approaches, and tools that are performant and efficient when used on HTC or HPC clusters.
• Develop advanced methods for parallel-in-time and parallel-in-space solutions, in particular, but not exclusively, for FE models.
• Develop methods for controlling and optimising the data and file exchange in the simulations.
• Develop methods for post-processing large or multiple simulation results into more concise forms.
• Develop a methodology for abstracting the complexity of launching, monitoring and post-processing HTC and HPC simulations. Integrate the developed methods with existing simulation tools.

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Proficiency in programming languages, especially for parallel computing applications (MPI);
• Strong background in Finite Element Methods and numerical simulations;
• Experience with HTC, HPC, and batch service capabilities;
• Knowledge of quench protection systems and superconducting magnet simulations is an advantage;
• 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 Physics/Computational Physics/related (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.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6,212 and 6,828 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.

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