Applied Physicist - Silicon-Detector R&D and DAQ (EP-DT-SD-2025-242-GRAP)

Join the CERN Experimental Physics department in its R&D program on technologies for future experiments, focusing on advanced silicon pixel detectors. You will work on monolithic pixel detectors for the DRD3 OCTOPUS project, further developing and adapting the Caribou data-acquisition system and leading test-beam data-taking and analysis. This role involves close collaboration with the EP R&D team and international DRD3 partners.

Your responsibilities

• Perform laboratory and test-beam data taking campaigns for monolithic pixel sensors;
• Analysis of test data;
• Development, commissioning and operation of FPGA-based data acquisition systems;
• Report on findings in project meetings;
• Supervision of students and visiting scientists working on the project.

More information here.

Your profile

• Pixel-detector test-data taking with particle beams and radioactive sources or laser-light injections;
• Analysis of experimental results;
• Experience with developing or maintaining silicon-detector test setups.
• Experience with FPGA-based data acquisition systems.

Skills:

• Knowledge of silicon pixel detectors and readout systems;
• Programming languages: VHDL, C/C++, Python;
• Code management / version control: Git;
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Presentation and documentation of results;
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You have a professional background in Physics or Electronics 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.

Job closing date: 16.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.

Job reference: EP-DT-SD-2025-242-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

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.