Applied Physicist - Beam-Dust Interactions (TE-MPE-CB-2026-139-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 4 days ago
Role overview
Do you want to contribute to solving a long-standing mystery of particle accelerators: why can tiny dust grains have such a big impact on high energy particle beams?
This could be the perfect opportunity for you.
You will lead the development of a novel experimental setup, from design and construction to commissioning, combining computational studies and hands-on testing to advance cutting-edge accelerator research. of CERN
- Do you want to contribute to solving a long-standing mystery of particle accelerators: why can tiny dust grains have such a big impact on high energy particle beams?
- This could be the perfect opportunity for you.
- Your responsibilities:
- Design and develop a dedicated test stand to study beam-dust interactions in accelerator environments.
- Demonstrated experience in modelling physics phenomena.
- Experience in setting up and conducting laboratory experiments, including measurement analysis.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities:
- Design and develop a dedicated test stand to study beam-dust interactions in accelerator environments.
- Conduct cutting-edge research in collaboration with experts in beam physics, machine protection, and vacuum technology.
- Design and execute experimental tests to validate theoretical models.
- Investigate controlled methods for producing and reproducing beam-dust interaction events.
- Identify and propose mitigation strategies to minimise dust-induced beam losses in future accelerator facilities.
Key requirements
- Demonstrated experience in modelling physics phenomena.
- Experience in setting up and conducting laboratory experiments, including measurement analysis.
- Experience with numerical simulations and scientific computing would be an asset. Skills:
- Solid understanding of particle accelerators and beam physics.
- Strong foundation in classical electrodynamics.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with experts from different technical domains.
- Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
- 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 related field (or a related field) and have either:
- a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
Application process
- Develop and apply physics models for the charging and release mechanisms of macroscopic dust grains on conducting and insulating surfaces.
Company and context
- 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
Additional details
- You will lead the development of a novel experimental setup, from design and construction to commissioning, combining computational studies and hands-on testing to advance cutting-edge accelerator research.
- Experience with numerical simulations and scientific computing would be an asset.
- 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-January-2027 Job reference: TE-MPE-CB-2026-139-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-January-2027
- Job reference: TE-MPE-CB-2026-139-GRAP
- Field of work: Applied Physics
- Benchmark job: 200140
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 Genève. 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.
