CERN Position: Applied Physicist in LAr Calorimeters (EP-ADE-CA-2025-251-GRAP)

Location: Geneva, ch

Job Description:

Join the ATLAS experiment at the HL-LHC during a pivotal moment. In this role, you will help operate one of the world”s most advanced calorimeter systems and shape the next-generation upgrade that will enable groundbreaking physics in the years ahead. You will work closely with experts developing, operating, and innovating the software and control systems that keep the detector running safely and efficiently. This position offers hands-on experience with large-scale data-acquisition systems, real-time control software, and detector operations in a high-energy physics environment.

Your responsibilities

You will:

• Develop and maintain detector control software using WinCC OA and OPC-UA;
• Deploy and operate high-voltage (HV) power modules for the calorimeter;
• Develop tools for configuring and monitoring the detector”s front-end electronics;
• Support the integration, testing, and commissioning of new control systems for the Phase-II upgrade;
• Contribute to daily detector operations, troubleshooting, and monitoring improvements;
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile

Experience:

• Familiarity with Detector Control Systems;
• Familiarity with SCADA/WinCC and OPC-UA;
• Demonstrated experience in testing and operation of detector readout electronics and associated SW.

Skills:

• Knowledge about calorimeter detectors for high energy physics experiments;
• Rigorous and organised approach to work, producing quality results;
• Working well in teams, and presenting work to collaborators;
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You have a professional background in Physics or Applied Physics (or a related field) and 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.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information:

Job closing date: 06.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-February-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job reference: EP-ADE-CA-2025-251-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 – Applied Physicist

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN”s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world”s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN”s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24