Applied Physicist/Engineer - ATLAS ITk (EP-ATL-TRK-2026-208-LD)

CERN; Genf; On-site; CHF 94,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary (tax free)

30 days paid leave + 2 weeks annual休

Relocation package

Health insurance

Pension fund

Indefinite contract eligibility

Job summary

CERN is seeking an Applied Physicist/Engineer to join the ATLAS ITk team. You will help test, validate and integrate silicon pixel detectors and related systems for the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel, working closely with detectors and electronics teams.

The role entails hands-on work in a surface cleanroom, documentation of testing procedures, and the development of testing methods for detector integration after installation. Strong collaboration across disciplines is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Applied Physics or Engineering.
• Proven experience with silicon pixel detectors in high energy physics.
• Experience with detector testing, data analysis and quality control.
• Experience in DAQ/online software or detector control systems.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, international team.

Responsibilities

• Reception testing of ITk Pixel Detector elements and multi-module structures.
• Testing and verification with ITk Pixel and Strip detectors in SR1 facility.
• Develop and deploy software/hardware for integration testing and validation.
• Document procedures and results for ITk integration testing.
• Participate hands-on in detector integration work and equipment prep.

Skills

Pixel detectors

Silicon detector testing

DAQ software

Detector control

Collaborative work

Mechanical CAD interpretation

Education

Master's degree (Applied Physics/Engineering)

Tools

CAD designs

Laboratory instrumentation

Data analysis tools

Job description

Applied Physicist/Engineer - ATLAS ITk (EP-ATL-TRK-2026-208-LD)

• Contract
• Compensation: from CHF 9,236 - monthly

At CERN , the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction

The CERN ATLAS Team plays a major role in the construction of the future silicon ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk). In particular, the final integration of the ITk detector prior to installation in the experiment is a crucial step to validate the full functionality.
As an applied physicist or engineer in the CERN-ATL Team, you will join the Tracker section (EP-ATL-TRK) and work closely with personnel from the Detector Technologies Group (EP-DT) on the construction and integration of the ATLAS ITk Pixel System and its integration into the ATLAS ITk.

Functions

• Reception testing of ITk Silicon Pixel Detector elements and testing of multi-module Pixel structures to be integrated into the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel.
• Testing and verification of integrated ITk Pixel Detector structures and services as well as combined testing with the ITk Strip Detector in the surface integration facility (SR1) at CERN.
• Deploy and improve software and hardware elements for integration testing and service validation (online, detector control, detector safety) for the Pixel Detector and the combined ITk.
• Document procedures and results for ITk integration testing and service validation and develop testing procedures for the ITk Detector after installation.
• Participate hands‑on in the ITk Detector integration work in the surface cleanroom as well as the preparation of equipment for the different testing stages.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physicist or Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in the construction and integration of silicon pixel detectors for high energy physics experiments.
• Proven experience in the testing and data analysis of silicon detector systems.
• Proven experience in silicon detector operation and quality control including the development, installation and commissioning of laboratory infrastructure.
• Experience in the development of DAQ/online software or detector control systems for silicon detector testing and operation.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team and international collaboration, including physicists, engineers and technicians involved in work on detector construction.

The following experience would be an advantage:

• Experience on interpreting CAD designs of mechanics components or cooling plant operation.
• Assembly of sensitive equipment in a clean room environment.
• Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components.
• Assembly and integration of detectors.
• Construction, test and installation of electromechanical equipment and systems.
• Development of application software.
• Assembly and integration of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities.
• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States .

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

• A competitive salary (tax free), 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.

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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.

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