Postdoctoral fellowship in the Accelerator Physics Group (SOLEIL II)

Located on the Paris-Saclay plateau, about 20 kilometers from the French capital, the SOLEIL synchrotron is one of France’s leading research infrastructures. Since entering operation in 2008, it has served both national and international scientific communities. Research conducted at SOLEIL spans a wide range of scientific and industrial fields (physics, biology, chemistry, materials science, environmental science, Earth sciences, and cultural and natural heritage), addressing major societal challenges. Experiments carried out on the beamlines rely on the use of synchrotron light produced by electrons accelerated to speeds close to that of light within a storage ring. SOLEIL operates under the joint supervision of 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 the electron accelerators and beamlines. It is designed to address 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 for the SOLEIL II project began in 2024, marking the start of a new phase of development and technological innovation. At the same time, operation of the existing facility is expected to continue until autumn 2028. The commissioning of SOLEIL II is scheduled for 2030, followed by a gradual ramp-up phase extending through 2035.ne 2028. Le démarrage de SOLEIL II est programmé pour 2030, avec une montée en puissance progressive jusqu'en 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 : 

  • 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 €19.35 per month for the employee (with an employer contribution of €174.15, corresponding to 90% of the premium), 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).