CERN Position: Refrigeration Research Engineer (EP-DT-DC-2025-254-GRAP)

Location: Geneva, ch

Job Description:

In this role, you will work as a Refrigeration Research Engineer developing innovative detector cooling solutions. You will be part of a new R&D team in the EP-DT-DC section, focusing on ultra-low temperature applications using Krypton.

Your responsibilities:

• Take projects from concept to working prototype.
• Design novel concepts and perform supporting simulations.
• Prepare prototypes and conduct experiments to collect scientific data.
• Analyse results and publish scientific findings.
• Collaborate within a small team of experts.
• Mentor and guide students.

Your profile:

• Proven experience in the development of experimental cooling systems, including both design and operation.
• Experience with ultra-low temperature refrigeration or cryogenics.

Skills:

• Innovative and open-minded.
• Hands-on, with experience building and operating test set-ups.
• Strong analytical skills to optimise prototypes.
• Designs are well thought out; unexpected results are approached as interesting challenges.
• Expertise in Matlab.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Mechanical and Thermodynamic Engineering (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: 26.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-March-2026

Job reference: EP-DT-DC-2025-254-GRAP

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 – Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN – Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24