Applied Physicist - Plasma Simulations (BE-ABP-PEC-2026-35-GRAP)

You will contribute to the preparation of a world-leading plasma accelerator experiment within an international collaboration. The project focuses on advanced simulation and modelling for Run 2 of the AWAKE experiment, scheduled to restart proton‑beam operations in 2029 after CERN’s Long Shutdown 3. You will develop, benchmark and apply state‑of‑the‑art plasma wakefield simulation tools to model beam‑plasma interactions, including AWAKE’s long proton drive bunches and high‑quality electron acceleration. Tasks include optimisation studies, parameter scans, and start‑to‑end simulations, as well as exploratory studies of extended plasma stages supporting future particle physics applications.

Your responsibilities

• Develop and advance wakefield simulations tailored to long, self‑modulated proton drive bunches, addressing one of AWAKE’s central modelling challenges.
• Carry out simulation studies of witness electron‑beam acceleration, including optimisat...