Material and Surface Science Technician

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members, along with thousands of scientists and engineers from around the world. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, particularly in the field of particle physics, and to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration among its employees. The organization is known for its groundbreaking work, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. CERN is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every contribution is valued and that a wide range of perspectives is brought to its research efforts.

Job Overview:
The Material and Surface Science Technician position is integral to the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group at CERN, focusing on the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the LHC vacuum system. The role involves contributing to the consolidation, upgrade, and maintenance of the LHC beam vacuum systems during Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), which is set to commence in 202

• As part of a dynamic operations team, the technician will play a crucial role in preparing the accelerator for its next phase of high-performance operation. This includes participating in on-site interventions in the LHC tunnel, conducting helium leak detection, local heating operations, and activating non-evaporable getter (NEG) coatings. The technician will also carry out ultra-high vacuum pressure measurements and analyze residual gas composition using mass spectrometry, identifying potential organic contaminants or air leaks. Additionally, the technician will assist in preparing and updating technical documentation, tracking the NEG performance of the LHC vacuum system during LS3 activities, and supporting quality assurance efforts by validating each step of the process and producing detailed intervention reports to ensure traceability and compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Material and Surface Science Technician include: participating in on-site interventions in the LHC tunnel; contributing to helium leak detection and local heating operations; activating non-evaporable getter (NEG) coatings; carrying out ultra-high vacuum pressure measurements; analyzing residual gas composition with mass spectrometry; identifying possible organic contaminants or air leaks; assisting in preparing and updating technical documentation; tracking the NEG performance of the LHC vacuum system during LS3 activities; supporting quality assurance efforts by validating each step of the process; producing detailed intervention reports to ensure traceability and compliance; operating basic ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges and interpreting their data; assisting with helium leak detection and documenting basic results; and supporting on-site vacuum tasks, including NEG activation and checks.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include a basic understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles, awareness of outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems, familiarity with techniques for creating and maintaining UHV environments, basic knowledge of NEG (Non-Evaporable Getter) behavior and use, introductory knowledge of quadrupole mass spectrometers (RGA) in UHV setups, and basic knowledge of helium leak detection methods. The candidate should also possess skills to operate basic UHV gauges and read their data, assist with helium leak detection, prepare and update technical documentation, and support on-site vacuum tasks.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a general secondary education diploma as their highest educational qualification. Those with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree are not eligible for this position. The role is targeted at individuals who have recently graduated and have a maximum of two years of professional experience in Material and Surface Science or a related field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Material and Surface Science or a related field. This experience should be relevant to the duties and responsibilities outlined for the role, particularly in relation to vacuum systems and material science.

Languages:
Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the team and for documentation purposes.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. The target start date for the role is September 1, 202

• The position involves work in radiation areas and interventions in underground installations, requiring residence in the immediate vicinity of CERN's installations. A valid driving license is necessary, and candidates must be aware that exposure to ionizing radiation is a part of the job, classified as category A. Due to the occupational health risks associated with this position, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The compensation includes a monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks of annual closure, coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.