Electronics Engineer - Silicon Sensors

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe, CERN operates in multiple countries and is renowned for its contributions to particle physics and technology. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering innovation through collaboration among physicists, engineers, and technical professionals. Diversity and inclusion are core values at CERN, which has been fundamental to its mission since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Electronics Engineer position focuses on the development and testing of monolithic active pixel sensors (MAPS) as part of the CASSIA Project at CERN. This role is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of pixel detectors used in high-energy physics experiments, particularly in environments with high luminosity where timing information is essential. The engineer will be responsible for assembling and testing sensor prototypes, improving signal measurements, analyzing performance metrics, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to optimize circuit designs. The position requires a strong background in electronics and physics, as well as practical experience with laboratory instrumentation and circuit design.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties of the Electronics Engineer include assembling and testing CASSIA sensor prototypes on printed circuit boards (PCBs), supporting and improving signal measurements in various laboratory settings, and analyzing the performance of CASSIA2 sensors for optimal signal collection and time resolution. The engineer will investigate the radiation hardness of the sensors and assess the gain changes due to irradiation. Additionally, the role involves testing chip amplifier circuits against simulations, characterizing front-end circuit performance, and improving circuit designs for enhanced time resolution. The engineer will also develop concepts for integrating pixel designs into asynchronous readout circuits and conduct circuit design and implementation, including pre- and post-layout simulations for optimized pixel designs and front-end circuits. Collaboration with engineers, physicists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure successful project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a professional background in Electronics or Physics (or a related field) and meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and having 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. Additionally, candidates should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. The role requires experience with silicon detector modules, laboratory instrumentation, PCB design, electronic measurements, and familiarity with data analysis and circuit simulation tools.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Electronics, Physics, or a related field is required, with a preference for candidates who have completed advanced studies such as a PhD. The educational background should include a strong foundation in electronics and physics principles, particularly as they relate to high-energy physics experiments and sensor technology.

Experience:
Candidates should possess practical experience in the assembly, testing, and characterization of silicon detector modules or similar systems. Experience with laboratory instrumentation, such as probe stations and laser test setups, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with circuit simulation, ASIC design, and the ability to automate laboratory procedures and data acquisition are highly valued. Experience working in large, international research collaborations is also beneficial, as is the ability to deliver results under tight schedules.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a valuable asset for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is fully onsite at CERN, with a contract duration of 24 months, which may be extended up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role may require work in radiation areas, including nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed. The job reference is EP-ATL-TRK-2026-117-GRAP, and the field of work is Experimental Physics. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance, family allowances, and a relocation package.