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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Net monthly stipend (CHF) 6372-7004

Comprehensive health insurance

Pension fund membership

Relocation support

Language training

Annual leave 30 days + 2 weeks closure

Job summary

CERN's ISOLDE facility seeks an experienced engineer to reinstall the Resonance Ionisation Laser Ion Source (RILIS) and recommission it for ion beam generation, following over 30 years of operation. The role is based onsite in Geneva, with a 40-hour week, and involves installing lasers, hardware, software, and 24/7 monitoring with automated stabilization.

You will test pump lasers, develop new ionisation schemes, document operational requirements, and participate in standby duty including nights

Qualifications

• Experience installing, commissioning and operating complex laser systems.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Install lasers and required hardware and software to operate RILIS 24/7 with automated stabilization.
• Test the new pump lasers and develop resonance ionisation schemes.
• Document the laser system and prepare detailed operational requirements.
• Participate in setup and operation of the laser ion source, including on-call duties.

Skills

Laser installation

Laser operation

Photonics background

Lab automation

Control systems

Scientific software

Technical documentation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Resonance ionisation

CAD modelling

Programming basics

English communication

Education

Master's degree + 2-6 yrs

PhD + ≤3 yrs

Tools

CAD Modelling Software

Job description

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.

Language skills:

• 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 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.

Job closing date: 01.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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-January-2027

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

Global Benefits

• 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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