Applied Physicist

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. The organization employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. CERN's mission is to probe the fundamental structure of the universe using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, studying the basic constituents of matter and the fundamental laws of nature. The organization operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a significant impact on the global scientific community.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied Physicist at CERN involves working on the ATLAS experiment at the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) during a critical phase of its development. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating one of the most advanced calorimeter systems in the world and contributing to the next-generation upgrades that will facilitate groundbreaking physics research. This role requires collaboration with experts in software development, control systems, and detector operations, providing hands-on experience with large-scale data acquisition systems and real-time control software in a high-energy physics environment. The position emphasizes the importance of teamwork and effective communication, as the physicist will be expected to present their work to collaborators and contribute to the overall success of the detector operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Applied Physicist will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and maintaining detector control software using WinCC OA and OPC-UA; deploying and operating high-voltage (HV) power modules for the calorimeter; developing tools for configuring and monitoring the detector's front-end electronics; supporting the integration, testing, and commissioning of new control systems for the Phase-II upgrade; contributing to daily detector operations, troubleshooting, and monitoring improvements; and supervising team members as required. This role will also involve working in radiation areas, conducting interventions in underground installations, and being on standby duty when necessary, including working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional background in Physics or Applied Physics (or a related field). They should 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. Additionally, candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Familiarity with Detector Control Systems, SCADA/WinCC, and OPC-UA is essential, along with demonstrated experience in testing and operating detector readout electronics and associated software. The ideal candidate will also have a rigorous and organized approach to work, producing quality results, and will be able to work well in teams while effectively presenting their work to collaborators.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. The educational qualifications should be complemented by relevant professional experience in the field, particularly in areas related to detector control systems and high-energy physics experiments.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid level of experience in the field of applied physics, particularly in relation to detector control systems and high-energy physics experiments. Candidates with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, while those with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. This experience should include familiarity with SCADA systems, detector readout electronics, and software development related to detector operations.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which should be spoken and written fluently. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, as it is beneficial for communication within the organization and the local community.

Additional Notes:
This position is fully onsite and has a contract duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date for this role is February 1, 202

• The job involves working in radiation areas and may require interventions in underground installations. Candidates should be prepared for standby duty and may need to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the organization's needs. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will have access to on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.