Head of the Accelerator Group (MYRRHA Project)

We are ready to build this accelerator. Are you?

Highlights

• Manage the acquisition and implementation of our superconducting Linac.
• Follow up the project progress.
• Support licensing activities.
• Define and set up the technical team.

Job description

MYRRHA will be the world’s first sub-critical, particle accelerator driven reactor, cooled by a lead-bismuth eutectic. Our main mission is to build MYRRHA and use it as a research reactor. But there’s still a lot of work to be done, such as constructing MINERVA – the project’s first phase that consists of a particle accelerator and a proton target facility. The commissioning of this accelerator facility is scheduled for 2026.

Together with large teams of ambitious engineers and researchers, SCK CEN wants to develop new medical radioisotopes and solve the nuclear waste issue. To help us achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for a Head of the Accelerator Group for the MINERVA project

Within the MINERVA project at SCK-CEN, you will, as head of the Accelerator Design & Build group, be responsible for the acquisition and implementation of the proton accelerator (superconducting linac). For this, you will:

• Establish goals and requirements in consultation with the project management and set up and maintain an industry-style requirement management system.
• Closely collaborate with the complementary SCK CEN unit that is responsible for the prototyping activities supporting the accelerator.
• Follow up the project progress in view of timeline and budget, supported by an embedded project manager.
• Define and set up the technical team.
• Manage your team of engineers and technicians.
• Follow up the project from the early designs through the procurement and construction up to the start-up & commissioning in view of routine operations.
• Establish and supervise all accelerator-related QA/QC procedures.
• Ensure a smooth integration by relating with the peer groups ‘control system’, ‘civil engineering/infrastructure’ and ‘users’ target facilities’ in view of defining the interfaces and corresponding requirements.
• Support licensing activities.
• Provide input to the designer(s) of the global Control System (EPICS), especially in view of elaborating and implementing the central services (alarms, archiving…), the Machine Protection System and the Fault Recovery Procedure(s).
• Report to the MINERVA institute leader.

Job requirements

• A Master’s/PhD degree in applied physics or equivalent.
• Knowledge of particle accelerator physics.
• Practical experience in proton accelerator projects.
• Practical experience in accelerator operation.
• 10 years’ experience in personnel leadership.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to work in an international team.
• The ability to communicate fluently in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
• Excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of French/Dutch is an advantage.
• You will work in Mol but will visit our office in Louvain-la-Neuve on a regular basis. You are willing to travel regularly.