R&D Physics Expert

IBA Group; Louvain-la-Neuve; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IBA Group is seeking an R&D Physics Expert to advance accelerator and beamline technologies, focusing on accelerator physics, magnet design, and ion source research within an international team. Develop and validate new accelerators and magnet designs, bridging theory and experiment, and supporting cyclotron production.

Fluent English is essential; French is a plus. You should expect 10–15% travel for projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics or Engineering Sciences required; PhD strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of accelerator physics and particle beam properties.
• Experience with ion source technologies is a significant advantage.
• Background in Nuclear/Particle Physics or related fields.
• Proficiency in programming (C, C++, Python) and data analysis tools (MATLAB, ROOT).
• Experience with finite element packages (Vectorfields Suite) is a plus.
• Fluent English; French is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve core competencies: accelerator physics, beam properties, magnet design, and ion source design.
• Develop and validate new accelerators and magnet designs.
• Bridge theoretical studies with the experiment and ensure seamless integration.
• Support production of cyclotrons by applying expertise to resolve challenges and optimize processes.
• Work on diverse projects, expanding knowledge in related fields and techniques.
• Contribute to future developments through exploratory projects and technology watch.

Skills

Accelerator physics

Particle beam properties

Ion source

C, C++, Python

MATLAB, ROOT

Vectorfields Suite

English fluency

Education

Master’s degree in Physics or Engineering Sciences

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Vectorfields Suite

Job description

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Within IBA, the Technology – Physics team is responsible for research and development activities related to accelerators and beamlines. This team plays a pivotal role in the application of accelerators in Proton Therapy (PT), as well as IBA’s other business lines, including Radiopharma Solutions (production of medical radioisotopes) and Industrial applications (sterilization, material treatments, and security).

As a member of this international team of 12 experts, you will be part of the core of IBA's expertise, focusing on particle accelerator design, magnetic design, and beam propagation studies. This team is central to IBA's organization, interfacing with all departments and driving innovation across the company.

Your work will directly contribute to the advancement of IBA's innovative technologies, positioning you at the heart of innovation in particle physics and accelerator technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

As an R&D Physics Expert, your responsibilities will be to:

• Maintain and improve some of the core competencies of the company: accelerator physics and beam properties, magnet design, and ion source design.
• Develop and validate new accelerators and new magnet designs to be engineered by the rest of the department.
• At the end of the development, bridge the theoretical studies with the experiment, ensuring seamless integration.
• Support the recurrent production of cyclotrons by applying your expertise to resolve challenges and optimize processes.
• Be exposed to various projects, developing your knowledge in fields and techniques related to current projects (e.g., ion sources or detectors).
• Contribute to the assessment of future developments through exploratory projects and technology watch.

What we value

As an ideal candidate for the R&D Physics Expert position, you possess:

• A Master’s degree in Physics or Engineering Sciences, with a PhD or equivalent experience in research or industry being strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of accelerator physics and particle beam properties.
• Expertise or experience in ion source technologies (a significant advantage).
• A background in Nuclear/Particle Physics, particle detection, or related fields aligned with IBA’s activities.
• Proficiency in programming languages (C, C++, Python) and data analysis tools (MATLAB, ROOT) is an asset. Experience with finite element packages (e.g., Vectorfields Suite) is also an asset.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with fluency in English (French is a plus).

And you are:

• Passionate about new technologies and constantly seeking to expand your expertise.
• A team player with excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Organized and able to manage your work independently.
• A hands-on problem-solver, adept at connecting theoretical concepts with practical applications.
• Willing to travel 10-15% of your time for project needs.