Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering

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Position Title: Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 10 March 2025

Job Details

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

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and employs over 2,500 staff members, along with thousands of scientists and engineers from around the world. CERN operates in 23 member states and collaborates with numerous non-member states, making it a hub for international scientific cooperation. The organization is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe through particle physics research, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments.

Job Overview:
The Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering at CERN is designed for individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in research or academia. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for applied physicists and engineers to engage in cutting-edge research within the Experimental Physics (EP) department. Successful candidates will be involved in the design, development, deployment, and operation of particle physics experiments, contributing their expertise in areas such as detector technologies, material science, mechanical engineering, electronics, and computing. The fellowship is structured as a program rather than a specific job, allowing candidates to express their interests and align with suitable projects at CERN. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they hold or are about to hold a PhD in relevant fields, and they will be matched with projects that fit their skills and aspirations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship include:

• Engaging in research projects related to applied physics and engineering within the Experimental Physics department.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and develop innovative solutions for particle physics experiments.
• Conducting experiments and analyzing data to contribute to the understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions.
• Presenting research findings at conferences and contributing to scientific publications.
• Mentoring and guiding junior researchers and students involved in related projects.
• Participating in project meetings and contributing to the planning and execution of research activities.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and operational protocols during experimental work.
• Actively seeking opportunities for professional development and networking within the scientific community.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, with a limited number of positions available for candidates from Non-Member States.
• Hold a PhD in applied physics or engineering, or have a PhD defense scheduled within six months of the application closing date.
• Have a maximum of three years of research experience post-PhD, with exceptional cases considered for candidates with three to six years of experience.
• Be committed to contributing to CERN's mission and values, including diversity and collaboration.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in applied physics or engineering. The PhD should be completed or scheduled for defense prior to the application closing date, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to contribute effectively to research projects at CERN.

Experience:
Candidates should have a maximum of three years of research experience following the completion of their PhD. This experience should be relevant to the fields of applied physics and engineering, with a strong emphasis on experimental or theoretical physics. Exceptional cases may be considered for candidates with between three and six years of experience, depending on the relevance of their work and contributions to the field.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the working language at CERN. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly French, is considered advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
The fellowship offers an employment contract for an initial duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to 36 months. The selected candidates will receive a stipend of 6,911 Swiss francs per month, net of tax, along with comprehensive health coverage for themselves and their families, and membership in the CERN Pension Fund. Additional benefits may include installation grants, family allowances, and travel expenses to and from Geneva. Candidates will also receive 2.5 days of paid leave per month. The application process requires submission of a curriculum vitae, relevant qualifications, a statement of research interests, and three recent letters of recommendation. The application deadline is set for 10 March 2025, with results expected to be communicated shortly after the selection committee meeting on 21 May 2025.