Postdoctoral fellowship in the Accelerator Physics Group (SOLEIL II)

Located on the Paris-Saclay plateau, about 20 kilometers from the capital, the SOLEIL synchrotron is one of France's leading research facilities. Since it began operating in 2008, it has served the national and international scientific communities. Research conducted at SOLEIL covers a wide range of scientific and industrial fields — including physics, biology, chemistry, materials science, environmental science, Earth sciences, and cultural and natural heritage — all connected to current societal challenges. Experiments carried out on the beamlines rely on the use of synchrotron light emitted by electrons accelerated to nearly the speed of light within a storage ring. SOLEIL is jointly supervised by the CNRS and the CEA and offers its staff a dynamic, innovative, multidisciplinary, and international working environment.

At the forefront of technology, SOLEIL II is an ambitious project designed to provide new opportunities for scientific and industrial research. SOLEIL II consists of a major upgrade of the existing infrastructure and aims to significantly improve the performance of electron accelerators and beamlines. It is designed to address major current and future societal challenges, particularly in areas such as advanced materials research, energy and sustainable development, health and well-being, and the environment.

Construction work on the SOLEIL II project began in 2024, marking the start of a phase of development and technological innovation. In parallel, the existing facility will remain operational until May 2029. SOLEIL II is scheduled to start operations in 2030, with a gradual ramp-up phase continuing until 2035.

The Accelerator physicist will work in the Accelerator Physics group of the Accelerators and Engineering Division.

The primary mission of the recruited person will be to participate in the preparation for the major upgrade of SOLEIL’s accelerators (LINAC, booster, storage ring). This includes active involvement in the construction phase and the performance validation of the accelerators.

Required Skills:

  • Knowledge of linear and nonlinear beam dynamics for a single particle.
  • Proficiency in implementing algorithms for the simulation and optimization of accelerators using common programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C, C++.
  • Proficiency with numerical simulation tools (AT, ELEGANT, MADX, TRACY).
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Personal Qualities:

  • Ability to work effectively in a team while being autonomous.
  • Experience in project management and communication with accelerator and IT groups.
  • Ability to prepare scientific articles, publish them in peer-reviewed journals, and present research at seminars and conferences.
  • Commitment to establishing constructive, respectful, and cooperative relationships in the workplace.

Profile

This position is intended for a candidate holding a PhD degree, specialized in Accelerator Physics, preferably with knowledge and experience in single-particle beam dynamics on a circular accelerator.
The candidate should present a portfolio of recognized achievements and publications appropriate to their career level. Any professional experience working with accelerator facilities will be considered and valued.

General conditions

Benefits : 

  • Benefits : 
  • 26 days of paid vacation + up to 2 additional split days + 23 RTT (reduction of working time) days per full year of work, based on a 40-hour work week.
  • Mandatory health insurance (basic plan) costs €20.31 per month for the employee, covering household members (spouse/partner + children).
  • We also offer an optional supplementary health plan for €26.69 per month covering your household (spouse/partner + children).
  • Access to a provident scheme that supplements the benefits of the mandatory French Social Security system, which are often insufficient. It compensates for loss of income in case of inability to work, ensuring the standard of living of the insured and their family in difficult circumstances: death, incapacity for work, or disability resulting from illness or accident.
  • Possibility to open a Time Savings Account (CET) after one year of seniority.
  • On-site corporate catering at SOLEIL, with subsidized meals.
  • Family-related benefits depending on individual situations: family allowance supplement, additional days off under certain circumstances, marriage and birth bonuses, etc.
  • Social and cultural activities offered by SOLEIL’s Social and Economic Committee (CSE).