CERN

Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets (EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP)

CERN  •  Canton de Genève, CH (Onsite)  •  2 hours ago
Apply
AI can make mistakes so check important info. Chat history is never stored.

Job Description

This project focuses on the conceptual designs and conductor studies for large superconducting detector magnets planned for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) at CERN, the proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider.

The work involves designing large superconducting solenoids that generate strong magnetic fields to help identify and measure particles produced in electron-positron collisions.

Responsibilities include analytical and finite-element studies of magnet windings, including thermal behavior, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.

The role also includes supporting conductor R&D through studies and prototyping of low- and high-temperature superconductors. Additional tasks involve manufacturing, testing and characterising conductor samples for their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Your responsibilities:

  • Conduct conceptual and finite-element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.
  • Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications.
  • Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors.
  • Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing, and experimental testing campaigns.
  • Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.
  • This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

  • Background in superconductivity and superconducting technologies.
  • Experience with superconducting magnet design and superconductor studies.
  • Knowledge of materials science and characterisation techniques.
  • Familiarity with experimental physics and cryogenic systems.
  • Experience with analytical and finite-element analysis methods.

Skills:

  • Finite element analysis skills using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL.
  • Capability to conduct experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups, and execution of measurement techniques.
  • Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation.
  • Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments.
  • Independent work and autonomous management of tasks.
  • Ability to present and document the outcome of studies
  • Ability to supervise students or junior contributors.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
  • You have a professional background in Applied Physics (or a related field) and have either:
    • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
    • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
  • You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 23.06.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-September-2026

This position involves:

  • 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.

Job reference: EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

  • A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

CERN

About CERN

CERN is a truly unique organisation. A genuine collaboration between countries, universities, and scientists, driven not by profit margins, but by a commitment to create and share knowledge.

People here are part of immense scientific discoveries, answering some of life’s most complex questions and pushing the boundaries of understanding. Experts from every field come here to share in this ambition and the nature of this collaborative, international community creates a genuine atmosphere of trust. People are free to work creatively and to trust in, and rely on, their colleagues across the organisation.

History’s being made here – and the excitement is tangible, inspiring, and overwhelming at times. It is the only place in the world where you can do this work in this way.

---

If you’ve worked at CERN in the past, why not join the official CERN LinkedIn Alumni group, linked from this page.

Industry
Biotech & Life Sciences
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Meyrin, CH
Year Founded
1954
Website
home.cern
Social Media