CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation 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.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you an Applied Physicist or Electronics Engineer with expertise in radiation effects on electronics?

Join CERN’s efforts at the cutting edge of radiation reliability for electronics in accelerator environments, a key area in ensuring the safety and performance of high-energy physics infrastructure. Be part of the Radiation to Electronics (R2E) activity and help protect critical systems from radiation-induced failures. Take part!

You will join the Accelerator Systems Department (SY), which is responsible for the beam-related technical systems of the CERN accelerators. The SY teams design, build and operate equipment systems in all CERN accelerators, and are engaged in ambitious forward-looking R&D programmes.

You will work in the Sources, Targets and Interactions (STI) Group, focusing on radiation effects, beam-machine interactions, and particle-matter simulations. The STI group also develops and maintains the FLUKA Monte Carlo code, supporting users across CERN and international experiments.

Within STI, the Beam Machine Interactions (BMI) Section leads the R2E efforts, conducting advanced FLUKA simulations and radiation impact studies and experiments, for the design of accelerator components and the definition of radiation effects mitigation strategies across CERN’s facilities.

Functions

As a Radiation Environment and Effects Physicist/Engineer, you will be the technical lead for a variety of CERN’s Radiation to Electronics (R2E) activities. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Assess radiation to electronics impact on accelerator and experiment performance; propose mitigation strategies.
• Support Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) by defining procedures and ensuring compliance with radiation tolerance requirements.
• Perform and coordinate radiation environment monitoring and calculations, including managing the High-Level Dosimetry service.
• Contribute to R2E analysis and strategy for future accelerator projects.
• Lead modelling and characterization of radiation effects on electronics, focusing on stochastic effects and associated test optimization.
• Coordinate CERN’s involvement in EU projects and collaborations on radiation effects.
• Progressively take over responsibility for CERN’s pulsed laser SEE test bench.
• Supervise graduate students.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics, electronic engineering, nuclear physics, nuclear or aerospace engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience:

• Hands-on experience with Monte Carlo simulations for radiation interactions with matter, ideally using tools like FLUKA or Geant4.
• Radiation hardness assurance approaches at both the component and system level.
• Radiation effects testing of electronics- from test planning and setup to measurement, data analysis, and reporting.
• Programming in languages such as Python, C++, or similar.

Desired experience:

• Heavy ion or pulsed laser testing of electronic components.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation techniques.
• Simulation of radiation environments.
• Knowledge and application of instrumentation and measurement techniques.
• Knowledge and application of ionizing radiation: interaction with matter..

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating effectively:
  • expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner;
  • keeping to the point.
• Solving problems:
  • identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Demonstrating accountability:
  • working conscientiously and reliably;
  • delivering on promises;
  • presenting information accurately and objectively;
  • taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Working in teams:
  • working well in groups and readily fitting into a team;
  • participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Achieving results:
  • delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations;
  • having a structured and organised approach towards work;
  • being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind;
  • driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 10.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-STI-BMI-2025-136-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

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