Applied Physicist (TE-MPE-PE-2026-85-GRAP)

Job Description

You will play a key role in ensuring that advanced simulation tools accurately reflect experimental behaviour of superconducting magnet systems. You will work closely with experimental test teams and simulation developers to validate, analyse and improve computational models, with particular emphasis on quench protection and ramp loss phenomena in Low-Temperature Superconductor (LTS) and High-Temperature Superconductor (HTS) magnets. You will contribute to design, performance evaluation and analysis of Quench Protection on several High Field Magnets (HFM) developed at CERN.

Your responsibilities

• Validate existing simulation tools against experimental data from superconducting magnet tests.
• Perform and assess simulations related to quench protection and ramp loss.
• Support the preparation of magnet test plans, including the definition of quench protection circuits.
• Analyse data collected during tests; produce clear visualisations, summaries, and technical reports.
• Provide structured feedback to simulation tool developers to improve model accuracy and usability.
• Contribute to studies and tests of both LTS and HTS magnets.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

More information here.

Your profile

• Experience with numerical simulations (e.g. finite-element, finite difference or multiphysics tools) and comparison with experimental data.
• Experience with experimental validation of numerical models.
• Experience with electrical circuits and/or cryogenic testing techniques.
• Experience with circuit simulations and analysis (e.g. PSPICE, XYCE).
• Experience with data analysis and visualisation (e.g. Python, MATLAB).
• Experience with superconducting magnets and accelerator technology would be an asset.

Skills

• Coding and scripting in Python or MATLAB for data analysis and visualisation.
• Basic understanding of superconductivity, magnet technology, and quench phenomena (LTS and/or HTS).
• Ability to work at the interface between simulations, experiments, and hardware testing.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Structured approach to problem solving and technical reporting.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computational Physics (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 26.05.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-August-2026

Job reference: TE-MPE-PE-2026-85-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern