Company Description

Job Description

This role focuses on the LHCb VELO detector, covering its operation, maintenance, and future upgrades. During the Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) in late 2026, you will help prepare the detector, ensure its safe state, and coordinate maintenance activities. You will support the replacement and testing of VELO modules using a dedicated CERN test setup and assist external institutes with their module validation. In parallel, you will analyse Run 3 data to improve detector performance and simulations for Run 4. You will also contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D activities, working on areas such as RF box design, vacuum systems, module design and cooling in collaboration with CERN experts.

Your responsibilities

  • Participate in preparing the VELO detector for LS3, including safe state procedures and intervention planning.
  • Support the recommissioning of the CERN slice test setup (cooling, vacuum, slow control, DAQ, safety systems) for module testing.
  • Analyse Run 3 VELO data to characterise detector performance, improve the understanding of its behaviour.
  • Prepare Run 4 recommissioning.
  • Contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D, focusing on RF, vacuum, module cooling, or module design

More information here.

Your profile

  • Commissioning and/or operating a large detector.
  • Detector data analysis.
  • Commissioning laboratory test setups including LV, HV, vacuum, or other associated systems.
  • Experience with one field at the interface between the LHC and the VELO (ex. motion and safety system, impedance, vacuum, beam background, etc...).

Skills

  • Expertise in detector physics.
  • Proficiency in programming (ideally python and C++, at least one of the two).
  • Knowledge of SCADA system (WinCC, or other).
  • 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 Particle Physics, Detector Physics (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.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Job closing date: 08.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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-July-2026

This position involves:

  • Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
  • Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job reference: EP-LCB-2026-62-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

  • A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
  • Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
  • A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
  • Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
  • On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

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

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.