Detector Scientist

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 with a diverse workforce of over 2,500 employees and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe through advanced research and experimentation, making it a hub for scientific discovery and technological advancement.

Job Overview:
The position of Detector Scientist is crucial during the ATLAS Phase-II upgrade, specifically in the Long Shutdown 3 phase. The successful candidate will be involved in the installation of an all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk), which consists of multiple silicon strip and hybrid pixel layers designed to enhance radiation hardness and improve charged-particle reconstruction. The role encompasses a variety of responsibilities including the assembly and testing of silicon pixel detector modules, which are integral to particle physics experiments. The candidate will also 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. Collaboration with engineers, physicists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary team is essential, as is the ability to present progress and results to both internal teams and the broader project community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Detector Scientist include: assembling and testing silicon pixel detector modules; supporting and improving production processes to maintain high throughput; contributing to the parallelization of testing procedures in laboratory environments; developing and maintaining software tools for workflow optimization and data analysis; working with databases to record and evaluate measurement results; presenting progress and results to internal teams and the wider project community; assisting in upgrading laboratory equipment and procedures; collaborating closely with engineers, physicists, and technicians; and contributing 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 required. The ability to perform quality control measurements with attention to accuracy and repeatability is essential. 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 demonstrate the ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver results under tight schedules in a production environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a professional background in Physics or Electronics (or a related field). Candidates should 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. Additionally, candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes practical experience in the assembly, testing, and characterization of silicon detector modules or similar systems. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with laboratory instrumentation and should be adept at quality control measurements. Experience in automating laboratory procedures and data acquisition is also crucial, as is familiarity with data analysis and documentation systems used in similar environments. The ability to work effectively in large, international research collaborations is essential, along with demonstrated skills in planning and delivering results in a production environment.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, both spoken and written. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learn French, which is considered a good to have language skill for this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job is fully onsite. The target start date for this position is September 1, 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 with a benchmark job classification of 200140 - Applied Physicist. Compensation includes a monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job and formal training, including language classes.