Applied Physicist for CMS Inner Detectors

What you'll do

You will develop algorithms, FPGA firmware, and data acquisition systems for CMS online luminosity measurement, beam monitoring, and Tracker calibration for the High Luminosity LHC, and coordinate such developments.

This involves Integrating and commissioning back-end systems for luminosity and tracking detectors, enabling real-time data processing and precision luminosity measurements.

Your responsibilities

Develop, deploy, and maintain firmware and real-time algorithms for back-end electronics across multiple CMS board platforms, including systems for the Fast Beam Conditions Monitor (FBCM), Inner and Outer Tracker online luminosity, to support luminosity measurement, beam monitoring, and lumi-trigger generation.
Validate front-end detectors (including FBCM and Tracker modules) and back-end electronics through laboratory testing, ensuring end-to-end system performance from detector to data output.
Execute detector functional tests during detector integration at the Tracker Integration Facility, ensuring system readiness prior to installation.
Organise and lead test campaigns, including preparatory activities, on-site coordination of participants, and systematic validation of hardware, firmware, software and detector response.
Lead studies of detector efficiency, calibration quality, and operational stability, through measurements and simulations.
Coordinate technical interfaces across detector, trigger, timing, and data acquisition domains to ensure system integration.
Supervise and mentor students and fellows, including recruitment and structured technical guidance.
Anticipate upcoming technical and operational needs, structuring workflows, preparing infrastructure, and engaging with collaborating institutes to ensure continuity of operations.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Hands-on experience with detector laboratories, electronics prototyping, and test beam operations.
Strong experience in FPGA firmware development (VHDL or similar HDL) and real-time data processing, ideally in particle physics detectors.
Demonstrated ability to integrate and troubleshoot complex systems spanning firmware, software, and detector hardware, from the detector frontend through to the data output.
Experience with data analysis, detector efficiency and calibration studies, and the statistical methods relevant to performance evaluation.
Experience in supervising or mentoring students or junior colleagues, including selecting candidates and adapting guidance to individual strengths.
PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field. You are asked to provide at least one reference letter as part of your application.
You are asked to provide at least one reference letter as part of your application.

Your skills

Simulation, design and development of trigger, data acquisition chains: including FPGA-based electronics.
Simulation, design and development of (parts of) detectors.
Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components.
Analysis and optimisation of detector performance: through the interpretation of simulation and experimental data.
Solid understanding of electronics.
Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to anticipate needs, coordinate across teams, and lead activities under time pressure.
Effective communicator across multidisciplinary teams, able to maintain constructive working relationships and coordinate technical interfaces with diverse contributors.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Contributes to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addresses issues.
Sets ambitious, challenging but realistic goals; is ready to take initiatives and calculated risks in the interest of CERN.
Makes timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; deals with difficulties in a timely manner.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/10/2026

Contract duration (in months): 48

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Team supervision

Medical hazard

Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

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 and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, 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.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.