Laser Scientist ISOLDE RILIS

1000scholars; Genf; On-site; CHF 71,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

CERN in Geneva, Switzerland is seeking an experienced Laser Scientist for ISOLDE RILIS to reinstall and recommission the laser system for ion beam generation, targeting beams again by 2028. You will contribute to a major upgrade and operate within a world-class photonics environment.

The role requires a strong background in laser physics, experimental photonics, and automation, with fluency in English and a willingness to learn French.

Qualifications

• Experience installing and operating complex laser systems.
• Background in experimental photonics or laser physics.
• Experience with lab automation and scientific software development.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems and safety controls is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Install lasers and required hardware/software for 24/7 operation.
• Test new pump lasers and ensure system reliability.
• Develop resonance ionisation schemes for solid-state laser labs.
• Document the laser system with detailed operational specs.
• Support setup and operation of the laser ion source, including on-call duties.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Resonance ionisation spectroscopy

CAD modelling

Programming basics

English proficiency

Education

Physics or Engineering degree

Job description

Laser Scientist ISOLDE RILIS

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Geneva, Switzerland

CHF 6372 - 7004 per month net

What you'll do

The Resonance Ionisation Laser Ion Source (RILIS), ISOLDE’s principal ion source, is being consolidated after over 30 years of operation. The laboratory housing the laser installation has been dismantled and is being rebuild with a larger footprint and improved safety. With ISOLDE aiming to deliver beams again in summer of 2028 to its user community of >1000 scientists from across the world, we are looking for an experienced person who will help us to reinstall the laser system and recommission it for ion beam generation.

Your responsibilities

• Install the lasers as well as the required hard- and software to operate the RILIS on a 24/7 basis with automated laser beam stabilisation and monitoring;
• Test the new pump lasers;
• Develop new resonance ionisation schemes, targeted at moving RILIS into a fully solid-state laser laboratory;
• Document the laser system, creating a detailed operational requirement specification;
• Participate in set up and operation of the laser ion source including on-call operational duties.

Your profile

• Demonstrated experience in the installation, commissioning and operation of complex laser systems;
• Strong background in experimental photonics, laser physics or optical instrumentation;
• Experience with laboratory automation, control systems and scientific software development;
• Experience preparing technical documentation and operational procedures;
• Experience with ion sources, accelerator facilities or large-scale scientific infrastructures is advantageous;
• Experience with vacuum systems, instrumentation, safety systems or machine operation is advantageous;
• Familiarity with high-availability research facilities supporting user programmes is advantageous;
• Your studies focused on Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Engineering.

Your skills

• Proven ability to diagnose and solve complex technical problems in experimental environments;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an international multidisciplinary team;
• Knowledge of resonance ionisation spectroscopy is advantageous;
• Knowledge of CAD Modelling Software is advantageous;
• Fundamentals of programming languages & software architecture is advantageous;
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Deadline 1 November