Detector Safety Physicist

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancement. Established in 1954, CERN has grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research, employing over 2,500 staff members and hosting thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. CERN's mission is to push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding of the universe through groundbreaking research in particle physics and related fields. The organization fosters a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas among diverse professionals, including physicists, engineers, and administrative staff. Diversity and inclusion are core values at CERN, which has been integral to its success since its inception.

Job Overview:
As a Detector Safety Physicist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of the Detector Safety System (DSS) for the ATLAS experiment at CERN. This position is designed for an experienced graduate who is eager to gain hands-on experience with applied electronics projects while contributing to large-scale industrial infrastructures in a cutting-edge technological environment. You will be responsible for the upgrade, commissioning, and definition of safety systems for new ATLAS sub-detectors, as well as contributing to the upgrade of the detector infrastructure for Run 4 operation. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team, where you will lead testing and commissioning activities, monitor installations, design safety matrices, and improve monitoring systems. Your contributions will be vital in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the ATLAS experiment, making this a highly impactful position within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In this role, you will lead the testing and commissioning activities of the Detector Safety System (DSS) in collaboration with various sub-systems. Your responsibilities will include monitoring the installation of cables used for signal exchanges between the DSS and different sub-systems, designing safety matrices for new sub-systems in collaboration with safety and detector experts, and improving monitoring systems in the ATLAS galleries, including water leak detection systems. You will also be tasked with upgrading central infrastructure components in the ATLAS galleries and participating in the regular maintenance of fire, evacuation, gas, and Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) safety systems. Additionally, you will follow up on and present the progress of work carried out by the DSS team to the ATLAS Safety and Technical Coordination teams, which will include team supervision responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this position, you must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and possess a professional background in Applied Physics or a related field. You 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 to note that candidates who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract are not eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Applied Physics or a closely related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of applied physics, particularly as they relate to safety systems and detector technologies. A strong academic foundation will be essential for successfully navigating the technical challenges associated with this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant experience in safety system chains, including both analogue and digital sensors, alarms, and interlocks. Experience in wiring and testing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems is essential, as is familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as I²C and SPI. Additionally, candidates should have experience with electrical and thermal matching of components to circuit board requirements, as well as in the development, manufacturing, and assembly of electronic boards. Experience operating detector systems in a large-scale collaborative environment will be highly beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for conveying research findings clearly. While not mandatory, a commitment to learning French will be advantageous, as it will facilitate better integration within the team and the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is fully onsite and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week. The contract duration is initially set for 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date for this position is November 1, 202

• The role may involve interventions in underground installations and may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. Candidates must also be aware of potential exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain conditions and must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 6,372 to 7,004 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package.