Thin Film Materials Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. With over 2,500 employees and a diverse community of scientists and engineers from more than 100 countries, CERN operates in multiple countries across Europe. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in particle physics and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions, contributing to our understanding of the universe.

Job Overview:
The Thin Film Materials Scientist position is situated within the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group of CERN's Technology (TE) Department. This group is responsible for the entire lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems, which includes development, design, installation, operation, and maintenance. The Surface Coating and Chemistry (SCC) section, where this role is based, provides expertise in wet surface treatments, surface and chemical analysis, and surface coating using physical vapour deposition techniques. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing coating systems, thin-film materials, and plasma-based surface treatments, particularly focusing on applications related to superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities and adjacent technologies. This position requires a blend of practical laboratory experience, technical knowledge, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment, contributing to the advancement of CERN's research capabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Thin Film Materials Scientist include depositing superconductive thin films onto various copper substrates using High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS), performing plasma-based surface treatments for cleaning and surface passivation, and conducting in situ plasma diagnostics for process research and development. The role also involves materials characterization and data analysis using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and profilometry. Additionally, the scientist will investigate the use of dielectric barriers to suppress thermoelectric currents, commission and operate a movable cathode sputtering system for 1.3 GHz cavities, contribute to the design of new sputtering systems, and prepare coating systems within a cleanroom environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Materials Science 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 essential that applicants have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science or a related field is required for this position. The educational background should include a strong foundation in materials science principles, particularly in the context of thin film deposition and characterization techniques.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have practical laboratory experience in plasma-based thin film deposition, particularly with HiPIMS, and experience working with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. They should be adept at planning and executing experimental work, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, and analyzing characterization data to support coating development and optimization. Experience in preparing technical procedures and documenting experimental methods is also necessary.

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

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is November 1, 202

• Additional benefits include 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.