Laser Scientist ISOLDE RILIS (SY-STI-LPS-2026-159-GRAP)

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Genf; On-site; CHF 71,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation package

CERN Pension Fund

Language training

Job summary

CERN seeks a Laser Scientist for ISOLDE RILIS to reinstall and recommission the laser system for ion beam generation. The role supports operations aiming for beams by 2028, and requires experience with complex laser systems and photonics.

The position is onsite, 40 hours per week, with standby duties and exposure to radiation areas. A Master’s or PhD with post-grad experience is expected, with comprehensive health insurance and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 2–6 years post-graduation experience or PhD with ≤3 years.
• Experience installing and commissioning complex laser systems.
• Background in experimental photonics or laser physics.
• Experience documenting technical procedures and system specs.

Responsibilities

• Install lasers and required hardware/software for 24/7 operation with automated stabilization.
• Test new pump lasers.
• Develop resonance ionisation schemes for a solid-state laser lab.
• Document laser system and write operational specifications.
• Participate in setup and operation including on-call duties.

Skills

Laser installation

Photonic experiments

Lab automation

Technical documentation

English skills

Education

Master's + 2–6y

PhD + ≤3y

Tools

CAD software

Scientific software

Job description

Laser Scientist ISOLDE RILIS (SY-STI-LPS-2026-159-GRAP)

• Full-time
• Compensation: CHF 6,372 - CHF 7,004 - monthly

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.

Advantageous:

• Experience with ion sources, accelerator facilities or large-scale scientific infrastructures.
• Experience with vacuum systems, instrumentation, safety systems or machine operation.
• Familiarity with high-availability research facilities supporting user programmes.

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.

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of resonance ionisation spectroscopy.
• Knowledge of CAD Modelling Software.
• Fundamentals of programming languages & software architecture.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
• You have a professional background in Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, Engineering (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.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: SY-STI-LPS-2026-159-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004Swiss Francs per monthdepending 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.

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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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