Applied Physicist in Gas Detectors and Systems (EP-DT-GD-2026-114-GRAP) — CERN
CHF 60'500 - 91'500
CERN · Geneva, GENEVA, Switzerland (GE)
- Location
- Geneva
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 15 days ago
SalaryCHF 60'500 - 91'500
Role overview
Particle detectors operating at CERN's Large Hadron Collider experiments require highly specific, precise, and stable gas mixtures, provided by dedicated and complex gas systems often operating in gas recirculation.
Correct and stable mixture composition is a fundamental requirement for the long-term, continuous operation of all detectors.
You will join the Gas Systems team in the EP-DT-GD, responsible for the maintenance, operation and development of the gas systems for particle detectors.
- Particle detectors operating at CERN's Large Hadron Collider experiments require highly specific, precise, and stable gas mixtures, provided by dedicated and complex gas systems often operating in gas recirculation.
- Correct and stable mixture composition is a fundamental requirement for the long-term, continuous operation of all detectors.
- Your responsibilities
- Active involvement in the operation, maintenance, and technical upgrades of gas systems for one of the LHC experiments, ensuring continuous and stable operation.
- Experience in operating different types of gaseous detectors.
- Experience in the design, operation, or maintenance of gas systems.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities
- Active involvement in the operation, maintenance, and technical upgrades of gas systems for one of the LHC experiments, ensuring continuous and stable operation.
- Participation in the "piquet" (stand-by duty) service, providing technical support and rapid intervention to ensure 24/7 operational reliability of gas systems during LHC runs.
- Contribution to R&D studies aimed at identifying replacements for currently used greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as R134a and SF6.
- Contribution to and responsibility for the operation of test setups in the laboratory and at CERN facilities, where the high-radiation background expected during the High-Luminosity LHC phase can be simulated.
- Validation of the compatibility of new eco-friendly gases with components used in gas system construction, ensuring no impact on detector performance.
- You will learn about gaseous detectors, gas systems, gas recirculation, and gas recuperation.
- This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
Key requirements
- Experience in operating different types of gaseous detectors.
- Experience in the design, operation, or maintenance of gas systems.
- Practical knowledge of industrial instrumentation and sensors.
- Experience in operating gaseous detectors in high-radiation environments and with eco-gases.
- Ability to perform technical interventions in experimental areas. Skills
- Understanding of gaseous particle detector operation and radiation effects.
- Operation of gaseous detectors with eco-gas mixtures.
- Knowledge of gas distribution systems.
- Familiarity with gas analysis techniques (gas chromatography) and leak detection methods.
- Proactive approach to identifying potential system weaknesses before they lead to operational downtime.
- Ability and willingness to work in a variety of environments, from high-tech laboratories to underground experimental caverns, and to adapt to changing priorities during LHC technical stops and data-taking periods.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language. Eligibility criteria:
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
- The Gas Systems team has identified four strategies to optimise GHG usage: gas recirculation, gas recuperation, new environmentally friendly gases and gas abatement.
- Ability to perform technical interventions in experimental areas.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language. Eligibility criteria:
- 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-October-2026 This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations. A valid driving licence.
- 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-DT-GD-2026-114-GRAP Field of work: Applied Physics Benchmark job: 200140
Notes and original content
- Your profile
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.
- Eligibility criteria:
- 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-October-2026
- This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
