Power System Physicist/Engineer for the CMS HGCAL

What you'll do

As Power System Physicist/Engineer for the CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL), you will play a key role in the development, integration, testing and commissioning of the power systems for one of the most innovative particle detectors ever conceived.

Working within a multinational, multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the procurement and testing of power supplies for HGCAL detector modules, including low-voltage, high-current supplies for the readout electronics and medium-voltage supplies of up to 800 V for sensor biasing.

You will also contribute to the integration of power systems with the detector’s safety, control and monitoring systems, as well as the testing and implementation of power components such as DC-DC converters, voltage regulation and cabling.

A key aspect of the role will be to assess the impact of the power system on HGCAL performance and to develop and implement strategies to minimise noise effects such as interference, coupling and ripple.

This role offers the opportunity to combine strong electrical engineering and detector-physics skills with hands-on involvement in the construction, testing and commissioning of a large-scale, state-of-the-art particle detector.

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Your responsibilities

Follow the procurement of the power supplies (Low Voltage and Bias Voltage, totalling several MCHF), including carrying out acceptance and stress tests on the delivered units.
Support the commissioning of these power systems during the mass assembly and testing phases of HGCAL.
Work with physicists and engineers to evaluate the performance of HGCAL in relation to its power systems and to develop and implement mitigation strategies where possible and necessary, first on the surface and subsequently when HGCAL is installed in CMS, 100 metres underground.
Work with the HGCAL and central CMS Technical Coordination teams to oversee the installation and testing of the power systems underground in the “Service” and “Experimental” caverns. This will include overseeing cable installation, in-situ connectorisation where needed, testing and commissioning, and the integration of the power system into the HGCAL and CMS safety and monitoring systems.

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Your profile

Strong track record in testing, operating and debugging power systems for complex devices, such as particle detectors used in high-energy physics experiments.
Experience with silicon- and/or scintillator-based particle detectors would be an advantage.
Experience with large-scale procurement of electronic systems, such as power supplies.
Ability to work successfully and efficiently within multinational, multicultural teams of engineers, scientists and technicians would be an advantage.
Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Your skills

Construction, test and installation of power electronic components and systems.
Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract.
Testing and validation of detector components.
Takes initiative beyond regular tasks and makes things happen.
Assimilates large quantities of information, identifies key issues and formulates conclusions clearly and concisely.
Works well in groups and readily fits into a team; participates fully and takes an active role in team activities.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Ensures that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 48

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200030 - Electrical Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
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

Your CERNDepartment

The EP department conducts research in experimental particle physics in close collaboration with and supporting the wider scientific community working at CERN. This includes designing and operating experiments, developing and constructing detectors, acquiring and analysing physics data.

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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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
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What would my salary be?

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