Calorimeter Development Physicist (EP-LCB-2026-126-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Geneva
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 21 days ago
Role overview
As an applied physicist, you will contribute to the development of radiation-hard Spaghetti Calorimeter (SpaCal) technology with dense absorbers to achieve picosecond-level time resolutions.
This work is part of the strategic detector R&D programme within the Experimental Physics (EP) Department at CERN. of CERN
Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!
- As an applied physicist, you will contribute to the development of radiation-hard Spaghetti Calorimeter (SpaCal) technology with dense absorbers to achieve picosecond-level time resolutions.
- This work is part of the strategic detector R&D programme within the Experimental Physics (EP) Department at CERN. of CERN
- Your responsibilities
- Proven track record in the development of detectors for particle physics experiments.
- Demonstrated experience in calorimeter detector testing, both in the laboratory and in test-beam environments.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities
Key requirements
- Proven track record in the development of detectors for particle physics experiments.
- Demonstrated experience in calorimeter detector testing, both in the laboratory and in test-beam environments.
- Experience in the characterisation of photon detectors and/or scintillators is an advantage.
- Experience in the simulation of optical calorimeter technologies is an advantage. Skills
- Understanding of optical calorimeter concepts.
- Practical knowledge of laboratory equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary team with physicists, engineers and technicians.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as C++ and Python.
- 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 Physics (or a related field) and have either:
- a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
Application process
- Actively participate in ongoing R&D efforts to develop and optimise Spaghetti Calorimeter (SpaCal) technology for the LHCb PicoCal and other applications.
- Take part in the test-beam and laboratory characterisation of SpaCal prototype modules, with the aim of optimising the time resolution.
- Contribute to studies aimed at optimising photon detectors for SpaCal technology.
- Characterise novel radiation-hard, fast crystal scintillating fibres and organic scintillating materials.
- Document the results in scientific publications.
- More information here .
Company and context
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- Exposure to lead.
- Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
- Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. Job reference: EP-LCB-2026-126-GRAP Field of work: Applied Physics Benchmark job: 200140 Applied Physicist Global Benefits
- A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 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.
Additional details
- This work is part of the strategic detector R&D programme within the Experimental Physics (EP) Department at CERN.
- Experience in the simulation of optical calorimeter technologies is an advantage.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Hybrid Target start date: 01-November-2026 This position involves:
- Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. Job reference: EP-LCB-2026-126-GRAP Field of work: Applied Physics Benchmark job: 200140
Notes and original content
- Your profile
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Job flexibility: Hybrid
- Target start date: 01-November-2026
- This position involves:
- Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.
- Job reference: EP-LCB-2026-126-GRAP
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Geneva. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
