Applied Physicist

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

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from diverse backgrounds. The organization is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration among its members. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, and it remains a hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied Physicist at CERN involves working with advanced particle detectors for high-energy physics experiments, specifically within the CMS Tracker team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing software and diagnostic tools that span the integration, checkout, commissioning, and calibration chain of the Tracker detector for the High-Luminosity LHC. This role requires a strong background in applied physics and electronics engineering, as well as experience in software development for both online and offline applications. The physicist will contribute to the development of tools that support the testing and validation of detector substructures and will play a crucial role in the commissioning and calibration of the final detector once installed. The position also includes team supervision responsibilities, making it essential for the candidate to possess leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Applied Physicist include: developing online software within the ShepHERD ecosystem for configuration, control, monitoring, and automated calibration of the back-end electronics for both the Outer Tracker and Inner Tracker; participating in hardware integration and commissioning activities at CERN, which includes conducting back-end integration tests at the Tracker Integration Facility (TIF) and slice tests; contributing to the development of checkout and calibration procedures, including associated test protocols; helping to scope and implement tools across the integration, checkout, commissioning, and calibration workflow, with a focus on online and offline software, database interfaces, and web/UI tooling; following the firmware development of back-end boards and potentially contributing to it; and supervising team members to ensure effective collaboration and project progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid background in silicon detectors for high-energy physics experiments. They should have experience in developing or contributing to test protocols and data acquisition routines. Hands-on experience with detector readout chains, including front-end and back-end electronics, optical links, and DAQ systems is considered beneficial. Additionally, experience with data analysis tools, detector qualification, or commissioning is regarded as an asset. Proven expert-level knowledge of C++ is required, along with familiarity with version control systems (Git/GitLab), continuous integration, and collaborative software development practices. Familiarity with firmware development (VHDL) is considered an advantage, and experience with databases, web/UI development, or online monitoring tools is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a professional background in Electronics Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. Candidates must 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. It is important that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before applying for this position.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 2 years of post-graduation professional experience for candidates with a Master's degree, or up to 3 years for those with a PhD. Candidates should have relevant experience in high-energy physics experiments, particularly in the context of silicon detectors and data acquisition systems. Experience in software development and hardware integration is also essential, as well as familiarity with the commissioning and calibration processes of particle detectors.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which must be spoken and written fluently. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learn French, which is considered beneficial for integration into the CERN community and for effective communication within the organization.

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 job offers flexibility in terms of hybrid working arrangements. The target start date is ideally set for September 1, 2026, but there is flexibility regarding this date. The position may involve work in radiation areas and may require working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-CMS-ID-2026-113-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Applied Physics. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs per month, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.