Geneva, Switzerland What you'll do
The Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group within CERN’s Technology (TE) Department is responsible for the full lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems, from development and design through to installation, operation and maintenance. The group operates facilities for measuring vacuum performance, assessing the compatibility of materials and surface technologies, and performing thin film coating, surface finishing, and vacuum-related physical and chemical characterisation.
As part of this group, you will join the Surface Coating and Chemistry (SCC) section, which provides CERN-wide expertise and services in wet surface treatments, surface and chemical analysis, and surface coating using physical vapour deposition techniques. In this role, you will contribute to the development of coating systems, thin-film materials and plasma-based surface treatments, with a particular focus on applications related to superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities and adjacent technologies.
Your responsibilities
- Deposit superconductive (thin) films onto various copper substrates (1.3 GHz, 400 MHz, 800 MHz cavities) via HiPIMS.
- Perform plasma-based surface treatment for cleaning and surface passivation/functionalisation.
- Perform in situ plasma diagnostics for process R&D (e.g. mass spectrometry, OES, Langmuir probe).
- Perform materials characterisation and data analysis (e.g. SEM, XRD, XRF, profilometry).
- Investigate the use of a dielectric barrier as a method for suppressing thermoelectric currents.
- Commission and operate a movable cathode sputtering system for 1.3 GHz cavities.
- Contribute to the design of new sputtering systems.
- Prepare coating systems within a cleanroom environment.
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Your profile
- Practical laboratory experience in plasma-based thin film deposition, particularly HiPIMS.
- Practical experience working with UHV systems.
- Planning and executing experimental work, troubleshooting equipment or process issues, and analysing characterisation data to support coating development and optimisation.
- Preparing technical procedures, documenting experimental methods and results, and contributing to safe, reproducible laboratory practices.
- Working in a dynamic technical environment.
- Participating in technical meetings, seminars, and project discussions, sharing findings and communicating technical information within and outside the organisation.
- Using plasma diagnostic techniques in the context of thin film fabrication would be an advantage.
- Experience working in a cleanroom would be an advantage.
- Experience performing Rietveld refinement would be an advantage.
- Your studies focused on Materials Science or related fields.
Your skills
- Understanding the mechanisms behind plasma-based thin film deposition techniques particularly HiPIMS and film characterisation techniques, particularly X-ray diffraction analysis.
- Knowledge of diagnostic techniques in the context of thin film fabrication.
- Knowledge in plasma-based surface treatment methods, including cleaning, passivation, and functionalisation.
- Analyse characterisation data and apply results to coating development and optimisation.
- Plan and execute laboratory experiments independently.
- Good communication skills with the ability to share technical information in meetings, seminars and conferences.
- Be confident working independently.
- Be open to learning new techniques.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.
Employment conditions
- A valid driving licence.
- Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Global Benefits at CERN
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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.
- 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)
- 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
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
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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.
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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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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.