ASIC Digital Designer

What you'll do

CERN designs, develops, and operates particle accelerators and experiments for scientific research to understand the fundamental laws of the universe. These activities may generate stray radiation due to the interaction between beams and matter. The radiation detectors installed close to the various beam lines and targets allow CERN to accurately monitor radiation levels. Within the HSE-TS-IMS Section at CERN, the team is responsible for the design and development of this specialised equipment, as well as its installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.

Radiation monitoring is essential to enable CERN to operate its accelerator complex and related experiments while fulfilling its legal obligations to protect the public, people working on the CERN site, and the environment. In this stringent context, the TS-IMS Section is developing a new generation of ASICs to interface ionisation chamber signals with safety-critical monitoring systems, meeting challenging performance and reliability requirements.

Your responsibilities

Design, simulate, and verify the digital architecture of the next-generation ASIC front-end.
Prepare RTL designs for tapeout using open-source EDA flows, including floorplanning and physical design preparation.
Support post-fabrication bring-up, system characterisation, and functional/performance validation.
Collaborate closely with analogue, verification, and SoC integration teams to ensure seamless system-level compatibility.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Hands-on experience with open-source ASIC EDA flows (Yosys, OpenROAD, LibreLane, etc.) from RTL to GDSII.
Experience with floorplanning, constraint definition, and physical design preparation for tapeout.
Post-tapeout prototype bring-up and hardware debugging experience is advantageous.
Active contributions to open-source hardware projects or EDA toolchains are advantageous.
Experience developing SoC submodules is advantageous.
Your studies focused on Electronics.

Your skills

HDL design and simulation in VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog.
Good team player: collaboration skills across analogue, digital, verification, and SoC teams.
Proficiency in Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated verification workflows.
Knowledge of RISC-V architecture.
Familiarity with mixed-signal integration and digital interface protocols.
Comfort with Linux-based development environments and scripting for automation (Python, Bash, etc.).
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/10/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs per month 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. 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.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The HSE Department drives CERN’s Safety Policy, promoting a corporate and preventive Safety culture across the Organization.

It provides expertise and support in radiological and conventional safety as well as environmental protection. The Department also manages emergency services, including the CERN Fire and Rescue Service and Medical Service.

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.