Chemical Engineer; TE-VSC-SCC--LD

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.

You will join a multidisciplinary team developing the next generation of high-performance superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities. In this role, after dedicated training in the team, you will develop and optimise advanced surface treatments essential to their performance, including chemical polishing, electrochemical polishing and electroplating. You will also contribute to the design, procurement, commissioning, and acceptance of a new surface treatment facility dedicated to SRF components.

• Develop, operate and optimise chemical and electrochemical surface-processing techniques for SRF accelerating cavities and their subassemblies.
• Optimise existing processes by developing and conducting laboratory-scale chemical and electrochemical trials, applying multiphysics simulation tools to improve process performance and reproducibility.
• Define technical requirements and coordinate the design, procurement, testing, commissioning and acceptance of new equipment and facilities for the chemical and electrochemical surface finishing of SRF components.
• Develop, validate, document and implement operating procedures, process specifications and quality control methods for the surface finishing of SRF components.
• Work closely with engineers, physicists, technicians, safety specialists and external suppliers, communicating results and technical recommendations through reports, reviews and project meetings.
• Ensure that all necessary safety measures and documentation are kept up to date and effectively implemented across existing and new processes and facilities.

• Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Chemical Engineering or a related field.

• Strong background in applied electrochemistry and corrosion.
• Field experience in modelling, simulation, developing and optimising chemical or electrochemical treatment processes.
• Good knowledge of chemical engineering unitary operations and chemical process safety.
• Familiarity with electrochemical characterisation techniques.
• Knowledge of materials science, covering both organic and inorganic materials.
• Knowledge of wet surface finishing processes and initial practical experience would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of metallurgy would be considered an asset.

• Knowledge of electrochemistry, corrosion and protection.
• Knowledge of metals and alloys: composition, structure, properties, heat treatments.
• Knowledge and application of thermodynamics and energetics.
• Knowledge and application of numerical modelling in fluid mechanics and/or heat transfer.

• Working in Teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Working in the Interest of the Organization: actively promoting safety and encouraging others to do the same; respecting safety rules and procedures.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.