CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Company DescriptionJob Description

Your responsibilities

CERN is developing next-generation detectors for high-energy physics experiments, such as the new ALICE 3 detector. These detectors rely on highly advanced Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS), which must deliver extremely precise measurements of particle positions and timing, withstand high radiation levels, and minimise inactive areas on the sensor.

Achieving these goals requires close co-design and optimisation of both the sensor and its readout electronics. The way the sensor generates signals directly impacts the performance of the electronic circuit that reads them, and conversely, the circuit design affects how the sensor behaves.

In this role, you will join the microelectronics design team at CERN to create, simulate, and test new integrated sensor and circuit solutions. You will contribute to designing the sensor and electronic readout together, performing advanced simulations, and validating prototypes through experiments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and propose innovative sensor and circuit designs optimised for high resolution, fast timing, and radiation tolerance.
• Carry out detailed simulations of sensor behaviour using finite element tools (TCAD) and Monte Carlo methods.
• Simulate circuit performance, including the effects of parasitic elements extracted from layout designs.
• Validate and improve simulation approaches to ensure accurate prediction of real-world behaviour.
• Compare simulation results with experimental data to refine the designs.
• Take part in experimental verification of prototypes by guiding measurement campaigns or conducting measurements directly.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in design, simulation, and testing teams to deliver robust solutions.

Your profile

Skills:

• Experience in TCAD and Monte Carlo simulations and insight in operating principles for silicon sensors.
• Experience with or exposure to the Cadence chip design software, including simulation, layout and design rule verification software.
• Good communication skills to interact within the design team and with the various measurement teams.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in electrical 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.

QualificationsAdditional Information

Job closing date: 30.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-December-2025

This position involves:

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

Job reference: EP-ESE-2025-111-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization 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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.