Fellowship in Gaseous Particle Detectors

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

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, making it a hub for international collaboration in scientific research. The organization operates numerous facilities and experiments, including the Large Hadron Collider, and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental physics. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among diverse professionals.

Job Overview:
The fellowship position focuses on gaseous particle detectors, which are crucial in the fields of particle physics and radiation detection. The successful candidate will engage in the development and support of modelling and simulation tools, as well as gas mixture optimization and identification. This role is essential for guiding the design and performance optimization of various detector technologies, including Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), and Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). The position requires collaboration with other developers and researchers to enhance the understanding of detector mechanisms and improve their performance. The fellowship aims to contribute significantly to CERN's detector R&D activities, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the fellowship include supporting the development and maintenance of the Garfield++ modelling and simulation framework for gaseous detectors, integrating novel technological approaches into the existing framework. The candidate will also be tasked with developing and improving methodologies and software tools for the selection, characterization, and optimization of detector gas mixtures. This involves identifying key measurements and performance indicators, predicting trends that link medium properties to detector behavior, and supporting experimental validation through data analysis and dedicated measurements. Additionally, the role requires maintaining active collaboration with other developers in the field, coordinating community efforts within the DRD1 Collaboration framework, and providing guidance for detector optimization and performance improvement. The candidate will also be responsible for upgrading simulation tools to address current challenges and evolving requirements, and will have team supervision responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience with gaseous particle detectors such as MPGDs, RPCs, TPCs, and drift chambers. They should possess a strong background in detector modelling and simulation, as well as knowledge of detector physics processes including electron transport, gas amplification, and signal induction. Proficiency in software development and scientific computing is essential, along with experience in gas-mixture studies and detector-performance optimization. Familiarity with data analysis and experimental validation is also required, as is experience working in collaborative detector R&D environments. Strong modelling and simulation skills, scientific programming and data-analysis skills, and the ability to evaluate and optimize detector performance are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a professional background in Applied Physics, Engineering, or a related field. They must possess 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. It is important that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience, specifically in the realm of gaseous particle detectors and their associated technologies. A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience is expected for those with a Master's degree, while candidates with a PhD should have up to 3 years of experience. Experience in collaborative environments focused on detector R&D is also essential, as the role involves working closely with other researchers and developers.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language being a requirement. This bilingual capability is important for effective communication within the diverse international environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this fellowship is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The position requires full-time commitment, with working hours set at 40 hours per week. The role may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-DT-GD-2026-95-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Applied Physics. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package.