Applied Physicist - Silicon-Detector R&D and DAQ

Switzerland flag Geneva, Switzerland EP-DT-SD-2025-242-GRAP Ideal start date: 01/03/2026
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Before 16/01/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)

What you'll do

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;

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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;

Your 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;
Ideal start date: 01/03/2026
Contract duration: 24 month contract
Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
Team supervision

Employment conditions

  • Work in Radiation Areas.

Global Benefits at CERN

  • A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 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.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

  • You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
  • By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
  • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
  • Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

  • Your CV (English or French)
  • Any document you consider relevant to your application
  • A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)

Your CERNDepartment

The EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics and serves as a key reference center for the European physics community, contributing to the education and training of young scientists.

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!


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