Chemical Engineer at CERN

Chemical Engineer at CERN at CERN in Switzerland.

Responsibilities

You will join a multidisciplinary team developing the next generation of high-performance superconducting radiofrequency (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.

Requirements

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

Your skills

• 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.
• Contributes to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addresses issues.
• Ensures that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Works conscientiously and reliably; delivers on promises.
• Actively promotes safety and encourages others to do the same; respects safety rules and procedures.
• Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Medical hazard

• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.