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CERN Interview Q

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views

CERN Interview Q

Uploaded by

vinay
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION:

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am honored to be here today as a candidate for the Technical Studentship at CERN. My


name is IRRINKI VINAY SAI, and I strongly believe in the transformative power of
scientific innovation to address the most pressing challenges of our time. With a robust
academic foundation in metallurgical engineering from JAWAHARLAL NEHRU
TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY and currently, pursuing a master's degree in economics,
I have the ability to approach problems from multidisciplinary angles.

I am firmly driven by an determination to experience the remarkable environment that CERN


offers. The chance of being with cutting-edge technology and collaborating with exceptional
minds gives me great excitement. I have proficiency in skillfully managing mechanical
testing of materials and optical and electronic microscopy, as well as advanced techniques
like X-ray diffraction. Importantly, I am deeply committed to ensuring that complex ideas are
translated into accessible knowledge for a vast diverse audience.

It is my strong conviction that my diverse skill set and my in-depth knowledge, positions me
as an ideal candidate for the Technical Studentship at CERN. I am here not only to contribute
my expertise but also to immerse myself in this unparalleled research environment that
perfectly aligns with my personal aspirations and career goals. Thank you.

CERN: Here are some potential interview questions:


1. Tell us about your academic background and research experience in your field of
expertise. 2. Can you describe a challenging research project you've worked on and how
you overcame any obstacles or difficulties?
3. How familiar are you with CERN's research areas and projects? What attracts you to
work at CERN specifically?
4. CERN is a collaborative and international environment. Can you discuss your
experience working in a diverse team or with colleagues from different cultural
backgrounds?
5. What techniques or tools have you used in your research, and how would they be
applicable to the work at CERN?
6. CERN values innovation and problem-solving skills. Can you share an example of a
novel solution you implemented in your research?
7. In research, unexpected results can happen. How do you handle ambiguous or
conflicting data?
8. Safety is a crucial aspect of working at CERN. Can you discuss your approach to
maintaining safety protocols in a laboratory setting?
9. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a research project with tight
deadlines?
10. CERN is known for its cutting-edge technology. Can you share your experience
working with advanced equipment or machinery?
11. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and discoveries in your
field of research?
12. CERN emphasizes teamwork and communication. Can you provide an example of a
successful collaboration or how you effectively communicate complex scientific concepts
to non-experts?
13. What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see CERN contributing to
your professional growth?
Remember to thoroughly prepare for the interview by researching CERN's current
projects, mission, and values. Tailor your answers to highlight how your skills and
experiences align with the organization's goals. Good luck with your CERN interview!
1. Tell us about your academic background and research experience in your field of
expertise.

I was interested in material sciences since I understood the importance of materials in the
advancement and development. I completed bachelors in metallurgical engineering and currently
pursuing Master’s in economics, which I hope to use my expertise and to present them the most
efficient and economical for the effective use of world.

I experienced the Working of Blast furnace with and without the usage of pulverised coal injection
and the disadvantages of using coke in the process of making of steel.

I experienced in research of producing copper thin films by DC Magnetron Sputtering.

my fascination with material sciences ignited from a profound recognition of materials'


pivotal role in progress and advancement. This journey led me to attain a Bachelor's degree in
Metallurgical Engineering, followed by my ongoing pursuit of a Master's in Economics. My
intention is to synthesize these diverse disciplines and offer optimal, economically sound
strategies for the efficient utilization of resources on a global scale.

In the realm of practical experience, I have gained firsthand insights into blast furnace
operations, both with and without pulverized coal injection. This exposure illuminated the
drawbacks associated with coke utilization in the steel production process, underscoring the
importance of exploring more sustainable alternatives.

On a research front, I have actively engaged in the intricate process of generating copper thin
films through DC Magnetron Sputtering. This endeavor has provided me with a hands-on
understanding of the complexities inherent in material deposition techniques.

2. Can you describe a challenging research project you've worked on and how you
overcame any obstacles or difficulties?

Certainly. One of the challenging research projects I undertook was centered around the
synthesis of copper thin films using DC Magnetron Sputtering. This project was particularly
intricate due to its multi-faceted nature, involving both experimental intricacies and analytical
complexities.

One significant obstacle I encountered was in its optimization. Achieving the desired film
thickness, uniformity, and crystal structure required a delicate balance of factors such as
power density, deposition time, and gas pressure. Initially, the films exhibited inconsistency
in thickness and undesirable grain growth, which was a setback in achieving the desired
properties.
To address this, I conducted a series of controlled experiments, systematically varying the
process parameters while meticulously documenting the outcomes. This data-driven approach
allowed me to identify the optimal conditions that yielded the desired film characteristics.
Collaborating with peers and seeking guidance from experienced researchers further enriched
my understanding of the intricacies involved.

Moreover, analyzing the films' crystal structure and morphology posed another challenge.
The X-ray diffraction patterns were complex, and accurately interpreting them required an in-
depth understanding of crystallography. I encountered difficulties in distinguishing between
various crystallographic phases.

To surmount this challenge, I consulted literature extensively and engaged in discussions


with my advisor and fellow researchers. This collaborative effort aided in refining my
analytical skills and interpreting the X-ray diffraction data more accurately.

Overcoming these obstacles not only enhanced my technical skills but also reinforced my
determination to tackle complex research challenges head-on. This experience highlighted the
importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging available resources to
navigate through intricate research endeavours.

3. How familiar are you with CERN's research areas and projects? What attracts you to
work at CERN specifically?

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) employs nine experiments with detectors to scrutinize
particles stemming from accelerator collisions. International scientist collaborations oversee
these distinct experiments, each defined by its detectors. Leading experiments, ATLAS and
CMS, deploy versatile detectors to explore extensive physics realms, ensuring cross-
validation of novel findings. ALICE and LHCb adopt tailored detectors for focused
investigations. These four detectors occupy subterranean chambers along the LHC ring.

Smaller LHC experiments like TOTEM and LHCf target "forward particles," examining
particles that skim past instead of head-on collisions. TOTEM's detectors flank the CMS
interaction point, while LHCf's two detectors rest 140 meters on either side of the ATLAS
collision point. MoEDAL-MAPP investigates magnetic monopoles near LHCb. FASER and
SND@LHC, the newest experiments, positioned near the ATLAS collision point, pursue
light particles and neutrino studies.

invented the World Wide Web (WWW) in 1989, while working at CERN. The web was originally
conceived and developed to meet the demand for automated information-sharing between
scientists in universities and institutes around the world.

developments in cryogenics, ultra-high vacuums, particle tracking, radiation monitoring,


superconductivity

beneficial to society at large. They fall broadly into applications in medicine and biomedical
technologies, aerospace applications, and safety, environment, industry 4.0 and emerging
technologies.
specialized gas detector is used extensively in high energy physics and has been adopted in
medical imaging, biotechnology, material analysis, radiation therapy dosimetry, radiation
detection monitoring and even astrophysics.

next generation of pixel cameras. They hope to now be able to commercialize the technology for use
in X-ray imaging, electron microscopy to particle track reconstruction.

CERN's collSpotting software was developed to help visual and navigate complex data sets and be
applied in the future for four main fields outside of CERN.

These include:

1. Pharmaceuticals;

2. IT networks analytics;

3. Neurology, and;

4. Mapping the educational space.

CERN to develop one of their chips for use in nuclear and space environmentsspecially designed
radiation-tolerant

I would like use to all the exclusively available equipments and experimental ideas and equip
them economically to drive the global progress and innovation and their usage to the world.

5. What techniques or tools have you used in your research, and how would they be
applicable to the work at CERN?

In my research endeavors, I have employed an array of techniques and tools, including


application software such as Origin and Illustrator, as well as specialized equipment like FE-
SEM, Optical microscope, Optical Profilometer, Stylus Profilometer, Vickers Hardness
testing machine, Hardness testing machine, Ultrasonic testing machine, X-ray Diffraction,
and DC sputtering machine.

These techniques and tools hold significant applicability to the work at CERN. The utilization
of Origin and Illustrator showcases my proficiency in data analysis and visualization, which
are essential for interpreting complex experimental results. The experience with FE-
SEM(Field emission scanning electron microscopy), optical microscopy, and profilometry
equipment demonstrates my ability to analyze material structures and surface properties,
skills that are valuable for characterizing detector components and experimental setups. My
familiarity with hardness testing and ultrasonic machines signifies expertise in material
property assessment, vital for ensuring the durability and reliability of equipment used at
CERN.

Furthermore, the knowledge of X-ray Diffraction and DC sputtering equipment underscores


my familiarity with advanced analytical techniques and material deposition methods, relevant
to the investigation and fabrication of specialized detector components.
Collectively, my experience with these techniques and tools aligns with the multidisciplinary
nature of CERN's research, offering valuable contributions to experimental characterization,
materials science, and collaborative communication.

13. What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see CERN contributing to
your professional growth?

My long-term career goals encompass a harmonious fusion of my metallurgical engineering


background with my current pursuit of a Master's in Economics. I aspire to bridge the gap between
these disciplines by devising efficient and sustainable solutions for resource utilization on a global
scale. I envision CERN as an instrumental catalyst in my professional growth, offering unparalleled
exposure to cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem-solving.
The intricate technical challenges at CERN align with my aspirations, allowing me to leverage my
diverse skill set to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancements while fostering an
environment of continuous learning and growth.

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