Detector Scientist

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

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and is located on the border between France and Switzerland. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied Physicist at CERN involves working on the ATLAS Phase-II upgrade during Long Shutdown 3, specifically focusing on the installation of an all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk). This role requires assembling and testing silicon pixel detector modules that are crucial for particle physics experiments. The successful candidate will support and enhance production processes to ensure high throughput levels, contribute to the parallelization of testing procedures, and develop in-house software tools to optimize workflows and analyze test data. Additionally, the physicist will be responsible for maintaining databases to track measurement results and will present progress to both internal teams and the wider project community. Collaboration with engineers, physicists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary team is essential, as is contributing to the integration of assembled detector modules into larger sub-systems of the ATLAS ITk Pixel detector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assemble and test silicon pixel detector modules used in particle physics experiments.
• Support and improve production processes to achieve and maintain high throughput levels.
• Contribute to increasing the parallelization of testing procedures in laboratory environments.
• Develop and maintain in-house software tools to optimize workflows and analyze test data.
• Work with databases to record, track, and evaluate measurement results.
• Present progress and results to internal teams and the wider project community.
• Assist in upgrading laboratory equipment and procedures to meet evolving project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, physicists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the integration of assembled detector modules into larger sub-systems of the ATLAS ITk Pixel detector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience with the assembly, testing, and characterization of silicon detector modules or similar systems. Practical experience with laboratory instrumentation such as probe stations, metrology systems, or optical inspection instruments is essential. The ability to perform quality control measurements and evaluate results with attention to accuracy and repeatability is required. Experience in automating laboratory procedures and data acquisition using programming languages such as Python is also necessary. Familiarity with data analysis, database tools, and documentation systems used in detector production or similar environments is expected. Candidates should have experience working in large, international research collaborations and contributing to common infrastructure or shared facilities. A demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver results under tight schedules in a production environment is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Physics or Electronics (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. It is important that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid level of experience in the relevant fields, specifically with the assembly, testing, and characterization of silicon detector modules or similar systems. Practical experience with laboratory instrumentation and the ability to automate laboratory procedures using programming languages is essential. Experience in international research collaborations is also a significant asset.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is considered a good to have skill for this position.

Additional Notes:
The job closing date is set for 14.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST. The contract duration is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. The working hours are 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. The target start date for this position is 01-September-202

• The role may involve working in radiation areas and during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference is EP-ATL-TRK-2026-116-GRAP, and it falls under the field of Experimental Physics. The benchmark job is 200140 - Applied Physicist. The compensation includes a monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks of annual closure, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.