Vacuum Technician

What you'll do

Join the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group, responsible for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) vacuum system.

As a Material and Surface Science Technician, you will contribute to the consolidation, upgrade, and maintenance of the LHC beam vacuum systems during Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), starting in 2026.

Working as part of a dynamic operations team, you will play a key role in preparing the accelerator for its next phase of high-performance operation.

Your responsibilities

Take part in on-site interventions in the LHC tunnel, contributing to helium leak detection, local heating operations, and the activation of non-evaporable getter (NEG) coatings.
Carry out ultra-high vacuum pressure measurements and analyse residual gas composition with mass spectrometry, including identifying possible organic contaminants or air leaks.
Assist in preparing and updating technical documentation, tracking the NEG performance of the LHC vacuum system during LS3 activities.
Support quality assurance efforts by validating each step of the process and producing detailed intervention reports to ensure traceability and compliance

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Your profile

Basic understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles.
Awareness of outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems.
Familiarity with simple techniques for creating and maintaining UHV environments.
Basic knowledge of NEG (Non-Evaporable Getter) behaviour and use.
Introductory know-how of quadrupole mass spectrometers (RGA) in UHV setups.
Basic knowledge of helium leak detection methods.
Your studies focused on Material and Surface Science.

Your skills

Able to operate basic ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges and read their data.
Able to assist with helium leak detection and note basic results.
Able to help prepare and update simple technical documentation.
Able to support on-site vacuum tasks, like NEG activation and checks.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Medical hazard

Exposure to ionizing radiation and classified as category A

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.
Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
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 a technical or administrative field and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma or a shorter non-university degree. You can’t hold a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or 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 TE department specializes in maintaining world-class expertise in accelerator technologies, supporting R&D, and managing technical facilities to advance CERN's technological capabilities.

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.