Postdoctoral Researcher in accelerator design for the FCC-ee. — EPFL

Full description

Mission

The EPFL Laboratory of Particle Accelerator Physics ( LPAP ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team focused on developing a robust optics configuration and beam-beam collision scheme for the Future Circular Colliders ( FCC ).

As part of the CHART -funded project “General Accelerator Design at the FCC-ee: optics, tuning knobs and collective effects studies,” the successful candidate will contribute to the development of a robust and optimized FCC-ee lattice design with an emphasis on beam-beam interactions and collective effects.

The project involves refining optics configurations, implementing new tuning knobs, and developing correction schemes to enhance luminosity, beam lifetime, and dynamic aperture—critical figures of merit for collider optimization. Initial work will include analyzing current FCC-ee lattice options, identifying sensitivities to beam-beam forces and machine imperfections, and using this knowledge to design alternative optics configurations aimed at minimizing nonlinearities and improving beam stability under high-intensity conditions.

A key aspect of the project is the development of flexible correction schemes and tuning knobs for real-time adjustment of lattice parameters during machine operation. These tools will allow operators to adapt to varying beam conditions, mitigate the impact of beam-beam effects, and suppress resonance phenomena. This adaptability is essential to maintaining long-term stability and ensuring the FCC-ee’s potential for high-precision physics measurements.

Research topics may include

• Development of optics tools to improve beam lifetime, luminosity and dynamic aperture in the FCC-ee design with and without beam-beam effects.

• Alternative optics designs compatible with high-temperature superconducting nested magnet technology.

• Implementation and evaluation of correction schemes to optimize beam polarization as well as top-up injection schemes

The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to tailor their work toward one or more of these focus areas, depending on their expertise and interest. They will also support parallel developments led by PhD students, ensuring coherence in the beam dynamics models and helping to define tolerances for overall design robustness.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design of next-generation particle colliders through cutting-edge research in accelerator physics and simulation development.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate collaborative research activities in the context of developing a robust optics with beam-beam and realistic lattice included for the FCC-ee community
• Contribute to an optimized design of FCC-ee in terms of physics reach and performance, also proposing alternative solutions
• Participate in the supervision of PHD students
• Participate in the writing of articles and other documents related to research activities
• Participate in the teaching activities of the section, assistance of exercises, experiments and semester projects.

Profile

• Applicants should have completed their Ph.D studies.
• We expect a strong scientific background and proven track record in accelerator physics, physics-based simulations, numerical optimization and computational design.
• Experience with modular and collaborative scientific software design and with existing accelerator related software packages, for example BMAD, MADX, XSUITE, SAD, GEANT4 and collective effects tools.
• Excellent communication skills in English and good team spirit.

We offer

• Be part of a dynamic team committed to advance the research in the area of beam dynamics, computational design and modelling of future accelerators.
• Interdisciplinary and international environment. The project is developed in close collaboration with the FCC-ee beam physics teams.
• Post-doc positions are initially offered for 12 months and can be extended for up to 3 years.
• Very competitive employment conditions: EPFL

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. You are asked to supply:

In one PDF : A brief statement of motivation (max. 1 page), your CV, incl. a full list of publications, grades, scholarships, prizes, and the contact details of 2 - 3 references that are willing to provide a supporting letter.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Start date: January 1st, 2027

Term of employment: Fixed-term (CDD)

Duration: 1 year renewable up to 3 years.

Contact: For questions about the position please contact [email protected] and/or [email protected] .

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