Mission
This position is part of Muoniverse, a Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) dedicated to advancing muon science across particle physics, quantum materials, and applications ranging from energy research to cultural heritage. Muoniverse brings together 30 research teams from universities, research institutions, and museums in a highly collaborative network, supported by the Muoniverse Research School, which coordinates training, exchanges, and career development for PhD students and postdocs. Learn more at
The EPFL Laboratory of Particle Accelerator Physics (LPAP) is seeking a PhD student to contribute to the design of a Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator capable of boosting a low emittance thermal muon beam to the MeV range. Within the Muoniverse NCCR the PhD project will focus on beam dynamics studies and accelerator design aimed at preserving emittance and beam quality throughout the acceleration process, and at demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
The successful candidate will work within the LPAP–CERN–PSI collaboration on RFQ based muon acceleration. The project involves developing and benchmarking simulations to advance the understanding of muon acceleration, reproducing published results from the HIMB muon beamline, and evaluating the feasibility of re accelerating low emittance muons to the MeV range while preserving beam quality. The core concept is to use RFQ structures for the initial acceleration and to compare alternative accelerator options (DTL, cyclotron) for energy scaling and beam quality preservation. The student will define the required beam diagnostics and study muon beam dynamics to optimize emittance, energy resolution, and spot size. When possible, experimental work at the existing muon facility at PSI may be included. The project culminates in a technical design report for the possible re acceleration system of the Muoniverse project.
Contacts: Dr T. Pieloni (EPFL), Dr A. Lombardi (CERN) and Prof. M. Seidel(EPFL-PSI)
Main duties and responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will be expected to:
* Contribute to the design of an RFQ linear accelerator to boost muon beams from thermal to MeV energies.
* Characterize muon beam properties and optimize the accelerator design under realistic experimental conditions for the Muoniverse users
* Investigate and test innovative muon beam diagnostics through simulation studies and when possible experimental work.
* Support the Muoniverse collaboration by providing technical input for the muon beam quality and disseminating results through publications, conferences, and project reports.
* Participate in EPFL teaching activities and contribute to the supervision of students.
Profile
* MSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Strong interest in accelerator physics, beam dynamics, and experimental methods.
* Hands on experience in accelerator design, operation, or beam diagnostics is an asset.
* Familiarity with numerical modeling tools (e.g., beam dynamics tracking codes) is a plus.
* Programming skills (e.g., Python, C, MATLAB) for modeling.
* Self motivated, able to work independently, and comfortable collaborating within a team.
* Muoniverse positions often serve as bridges between individual research groups and institutions, supported through dedicated measures. We are seeking candidates who thrive in such collaborative environments, enjoy connecting people and ideas across disciplines, and are comfortable working within networked structures. Your ability to contribute to a culture of openness and shared progress is as important as your technical expertise.
We offer
* A stimulating and international research environment at three of Switzerland's leading scientific institutions (EPFL, CERN and PSI).
* Opportunity to perform state-of-the-art research contributing to the design of the next-generation muon acceleration and user facility (Muoniverse).
* Interdisciplinary training bridging experiment, computation, and advanced accelerator technologies.
* Collaboration with internationally renowned experts and close involvement in large-scale international projects.
* Competitive salary and excellent working conditions.
Informations
The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Physics Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. Doctoral School of Physics. Please check this page for additional information on admission.
Muoniverse is committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity in science. It actively works towards a diverse scientific community and an inclusive work environment.
Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. Only applications submitted through the online platform will be considered.
Your application should contain:
* A motivation Letter
* Your detailed CV, including academic transcripts
* Contact information
* Two reference letter
For any further information, please contact: Dr Tatiana Pieloni (No applications directly sent to this address shall be considered).
Application deadline:
Contract Start Date: asap upon mutual agreement
Activity Rate: 100.00
Duration: One year, newable up to four years upon passing of the candidacy exam after the first year