Materials Scientist (TE-VSC-SCCGRAE)

As a Materials Scientist in the Surface Coatings and Chemistry (SCC) section of the Vacuum Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) group you will be part of the surface analysis laboratory team responsible for characterising samples with defined surface finishes and / or functional coatings. The laboratory provides CERN-wide support on topics related to the surface properties of vacuum components used in accelerator operation and contributes to the quality control and development of surface treatment and coating processes.

In this role you will operate ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems for X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Secondary Electron Yield (SEY) measurements ensuring reliable data acquisition and interpretation.

The VSC group is responsible for the development design construction installation operation and maintenance of the vacuum systems across CERNs accelerator complex. It operates specialised facilities for evaluating vacuum performance and material compatibility as well as for the physical and chemical characterisation of surfaces and thin films.

Your responsibilities

• Operate UHV systems to perform XPS and / or SEY measurements on surfaces and thin films.
• Process analyse and interpret experimental data prepare written reports and present results in technical meetings.
• Monitor and maintain the performance of measurement equipment carry out regular calibrations and contribute to upgrade and improvement activities.
• Develop and optimise measurement routines and update laboratory procedures where needed.
• Model quantitative electron emission behaviour using appropriate simulation software.
• Contribute to R&D projects on functional coatings and surface processes for vacuum and accelerator applications and support SCC activities during LHC Long Shutdown 3.

Your profile

Surface analysis measurements based on electron emission including :

Skills :

Eligibility criteria :

Additional Information :

Job closing date : 20.11.2025 at 23 : 59 CET.

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

Working hours : 40 hours per week

Job flexibility : Fully Onsite

Target start date : 01-March-2026

This position involves :

Job reference : TE-VSC-SCCGRAE

Field of work : Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job : 200080 - Material Science / Chemical Engineer / Chemist

What we offer

About us

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

Diversity has been an integral part of CERNs mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

Remote Work : No

Employment Type : Full-time

Key Skills

Environment,Access Control System,Ethernet,Imaging,Fun,Health And Safety Management

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1