Computational Physicist (Machine Learning and Optimal Control) (BE-CSS-DSB-2024-142-GRAE)

Full-time

Your responsibilities

CERN has recently launched the Efficient Particle Accelerators (EPA) project to better exploit its accelerator complex in terms of reliability, efficiency, and beam performance. Alongside classical automation concepts, machine learning (ML) techniques have started playing a major role in realizing these goals.

You will join the Data Science for Beam Operation (DSB) section within the Controls Software and Services (CSS) group. The DSB team is responsible for designing and implementing numerical optimization and ML algorithms to tackle previously intractable problems in machine operation. This includes delivering accurate, fast-executing online models and developing operational ML tools for CERN’s accelerator complex, alongside evolving the underlying frameworks.

As part of an interdisciplinary team with expertise in accelerator physics and operation, ML and optimal control, as well as computer science, you will:

• Collaborate with domain experts to design, develop, test, and deploy operational solutions aimed at automating accelerator operation;
• Conducting research to develop new algorithms;
• Develop and implement on-demand and continuous controllers to automate specific operational procedures of the CERN injector complex from start to end; 
• Collaborate closely with systems, operations, and domain experts to devise robust and reliable solutions;
• Plan and carry out machine development sessions to develop, evaluate, and ensure the performance and robustness of the controllers on the accelerator and under operational conditions; 
• Conduct research towards new control algorithms;
• Contribute to the evolution of existing in-house optimization and automation frameworks;
• Present findings internally as well as at international workshops or conferences and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in ML and AI.

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Strong foundation and hands-on experience with ML methods and optimal control algorithms;
• Experience in applying ML to real-world problems and in making solutions operational;
• Experience with Bayesian optimization, reinforcement learning, and/or model predictive control;
• Advanced programming skills, preferably in Python, and familiarity with relevant ML libraries, such as PyTorch;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently; 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the capacity to work in an international and multidisciplinary team. 

Advantageous skills:

• Knowledge of accelerator physics;
• Research experience in the development of control algorithms.

Language requirements:

• 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;
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Applied Physicist / Engineer (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree;
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before;
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible;
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 10.10.2024 at 23:59h (midnight) CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-November-2024

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 5134 and 5647 Swiss Francs (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.

About us

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.

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.