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Cryogenics Engineer

Job Details

You will have:

  • knowledge of low temperature physics and large scale cryogenic systems and techniques;
  • challenging, multidisciplinary and international environment;
  • master’s degree or doctorate in engineering, physics or equivalent field;
  • permanent contract.

Join our R&D program supporting the design, test, and operation of the MYRRHA proton accelerator!

SCK CEN works actively on the design and construction of a new multi-purpose research plant MYRRHA: a versatile and unique research infrastructure. It is the world’s first research reactor driven by a proton linear accelerator (linac). A 100 MeV linac will be constructed first. The beam-commissioning of this accelerator facility is scheduled for 2027. Within the MYRRHA Phase 1, the main objectives are the design, construction, commissioning, operation of the 100 MeV proton linac coupled to a target facility with applications in fundamental research, in the production of medical radioisotopes and in material research for fusion. In a second stage it will be upgraded to 600 MeV and later connected to the MYRRHA reactor. Unlike traditional reactors, cooling the reactor core is not done with water but using a liquid metal mixture of lead and bismuth. This mixture offers the advantage that it does not slow down the fission neutrons. These fast neutrons unlock a variety of applications.

The Accelerator Technologies and Systems (ATS) group is responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of the 100 MeV superconducting linac, in close collaboration with several national and international research institutes and industrial partners. The selected candidate will be a member of the ATS group and will be based at SCK CEN Mol.

As Cryogenics Engineer for the 100 MeV superconducting linac, you will be co-responsible for the cryogenic equipment (cryomodule and valve boxes) ensuring its global engineering coherence within the overall system. You will interface with researchers and technicians, in the realization and operation of experimental facilities related to the cryogenic equipment and their components.

The Cryogenics Engineer will have the following responsibilities within ATS:

  • support all engineering activities and system integrations of the cryogenic equipment, such as design, engineering, prototyping, industrialisation, installation, operation, maintenance, improvement;
  • perform/support the design consolidation of the cryogenic equipment;
  • prepare the technical documentation for the public procurement of the cryogenic equipment;
  • perform the technical follow up of the public procurement contracts, including manufacturing and acceptance testing, of the cryogenic equipment;
  • perform the technical follow up of the cryomodule assembly and testing;
  • ensure the full documentation of the cryogenic equipment during its entire life cycle. This includes documentation during the design phase (requirements, technical specifications, acceptance criteria), the procurement phase (suppliers selection, contract follow-up), the production phase (manufacturing, assembly, tests), the installation phase (integration, commissioning), and the exploitation phase;
  • once applicable, participate in the commissioning and operation of the overall cryogenic system.

To join this frontier, you’ll need

  • Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering or related field; a PhD is appreciated;
  • broad understanding of low temperature physics, knowledge of large scale cryogenic systems and techniques;
  • formal background knowledge of cryogenic systems and infrastructures intended for experimental fundamental research (e.g., condensed matter, high energy physics);
  • experience in design and hardware development of cryogenic systems and the integration of cryogenic subsystems;
  • a basic understanding of particle accelerators is an asset;
  • professional background in an R&D environment (in industry or in research);
  • a positive “can do” attitude, able to show commitment, and to inspire others;
  • pragmatic, dynamic, resistant to stress, rigorous;
  • good interpersonal skills: communication, coordination, and reporting;
  • excellent oral and written skills in English.

Deadline: 16/04/2023

Contact: Tomas Sergooris (tomas.sergooris@sckcen.be)

Company

Belgian digital

We explore. Driven by our passion for science. Boosted by our unique infrastructure. We sound out the frontiers. We expand our knowledge in various nuclear areas. However many horizons we may explore, we always pursue the same objective: developing innovative applications for society.

Why work for us
At SCK CEN, we are on the forefront. By developing new knowledge and innovative applications, we move the line of what nuclear science can do for society. Each day, we are driven by a relentless ambition to build our expertise and achieve our goals. We are immersed in a world of unique technology, open discussion and discovery, together with other capable and curious minds.

SCK CEN works actively on the design and construction of a new multi-purpose research plant: MYRRHA (www.myrrha.be), which stands for Multi-purpose HYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications. MYRRHA is a versatile research infrastructure but above all, unique. It is the world’s first research reactor driven by a particle accelerator. The special feature of this unique configuration – Accelerator Driven System (ADS) – is the “subcritical” core of the reactor. The core does not have enough fissile material to spontaneously keep the chain reaction going.

So that’s why we have to build the most reliable super conducting high-power proton linac in the world. A linac can be designed with fewer interruptions in the beam’s proton flow than a cyclotron. While the accelerator will be almost 300 m long and reach 600 MeV proton beam energy in the final configuration, the first stage is limited to 100 MeV. This project part is called MINERVA and is in full development. It will allow the demonstration of the required reliability concepts and at the same time it will be used to deliver beam to users in two experimental irradiation facilities.

The aim is to be able to beam-commission the installation in 2027 so as to start with the development of innovative medical radioisotopes and perform fundamental research in physics. In the next phase, we will aim for an energy level of 600 MeV. In the third phase, the research reactor will be built. So we have a lot of work to do.

What we are looking for

Are you searching for a challenge that contributes to solving some of society’s most important issues, such as closing the nuclear fuel cycle, transforming the lives of cancer patients or conducting fundamental physics research? Don’t look any further and apply.


Location
Mol, Brussels, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Number of employees
850

Main areas of research
Nuclear, physics

Positions recently recruited for
We have recruited to a variety of positions in the accelerator field: vacuum engineers, power converter engineers, beam diagnostics engineers. We are now looking to recruit LLRF engineers, beam diagnostic engineers, supply chain manager and electrical engineers

How to apply
Apply online at www.sckcen.be/en/careers/vacancies

Closing date
All year round

Contact
E-mail tomas.sergooris@sckcen.be
www.sckcen.be

Company info
Website
Telephone
+32 (0)14 33 83 09
Location
Boeretang 200
B-2400
Belgium

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