Applied Physicist (TE-VSC-VSM-2024-167-GRAP)

Job Description

Are you an Applied Physicist or an Engineer, with the passion of understanding the properties of materials when pushed under extreme conditions?

If so, we are offering an opportunity to take a key role in the study of the resistance of surfaces and materials when exposed to extremely intense electric fields, such as those that will be attained in future accelerators.

You will investigate the effect of plasma surface treatments on the materials resistance to electrical breakdown, making use of state-of-the art test facilities that you will help to develop further.

Within this project you will work in close collaboration with experts in plasmas, RF technology, vacuum technology and surface science, and help understanding the role of the surface chemistry and of ultra-high vacuum conditions on the breakdown triggering phenomena, developing novel techniques for measuring field-emitted electron currents, and culminating in defining a plasma surface treatment that improves over the performance of untreated materials.

This project is part of the CLIC study and is the underpinning of a large Collaboration exploring the properties of materials under extreme conditions, and is hosted in the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings group.

As a key member of the team, you will work in close collaboration also with experts from the Radio-Frequency group and from the Mechanical and Materials Engineering group.

As part of the team, you will also take part to other projects aiming at exploring the behavior of materials for novel RF and high-voltage engineering applications, with the focus of understanding the role of their physical surface and material properties on the breakdown resistance.

Who we are looking for

Skills and / or knowledge

• Experience in material behavior under high electric fields;
• Knowledge of vacuum and plasma technologies and of surface analysis techniques;
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria :

• You are a national of a .
• You have a professional background in Physics or engineering (materials, mecha (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 : 12 November 2024 at 23h59 CET.

Job reference : TE-VSC-VSM-2024-167-GRAP

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

Target start date : 01-January-2025

This position involves :

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax) .
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund .
• Depending on your individual circumstances : installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year .
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and / or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe.

Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light.

The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace.

Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.