JOB DESCRIPTION

CERN Position: Applied Physicist / Material Engineer for Thin Film Coatings (TE-VSC-SCC-2025-162-LD)

Location: Geneva, ch

Company Description:

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.

Job Description:

Introduction:

Are you a highly motivated applied physicist eager to take on a key role in one of the most ambitious scientific projects of our time? Are you ready to contribute to the longest ultra-high vacuum system ever built and shape the future of particle physics? If you have a solid background in thin film coatings and surface engineering, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of science and technology – this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

Join the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group in the Technology (TE) Department and contribute to the development of the vacuum system for the Future Circular Collider (FCC). The VSC Group is responsible for all high and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems for the CERN accelerators. Its mandate covers all activities from development to operation, including design, production and procurement, surface engineering and analysis, acceptance tests, control and monitoring. Within this dynamic team, the Surface, Coatings and Chemistry (SCC) section takes care of surface and chemical analyses, thin film coatings, and surface finishing critical to accelerator performance.

As an Applied Physicist, you will lead the development, characterization and optimization of advanced thin film coatings, with a focus on non-evaporable getter (NEG) technologies for UHV applications.

Functions:

Within the VSC Group of the TE Department, you will:

• Produce and analyse thin-film coatings with a focus on Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) applications in particle accelerators.
• Coordinate the application of surface treatments for UHV to increase thin film adherence in high aspect ratio vacuum vessels.
• Perform pressure measurement and residual gas analysis in UHV systems to characterisation the functional performance of NEG thin films.
• Coordinate the characterization of NEG coatings by surface analysis, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and other material science techniques.
• Identifying new opportunities for collaboration and in-kind contributions with external institutes for NEG thin films activities.
• Design and upgrade dedicated systems for vacuum processing of surfaces, including Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), in view of industrialisation of NEG coating processes for the Future Circular Collider project.
• Document the results in reports, scientific publications, and presentations.

Qualifications:

Master”s degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Master”s Degree in the field of physics or material science (or equivalent). A PhD in the field of thin film coating would be an asset. or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven practical experience in the elaboration of thin films by PVD.
• Proven practical experience in the design of systems (or subsystems) for thin film deposition.
• Experience in ultrahigh vacuum technology and the use of relevant instrumentation.

An advantage would be:

• Experience in non-evaporable getter (NEG) thin film coatings and material characterization by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction or ion beam analysis.
• Familiarity with plasma characterization.
• Experience with basic CAD design.
• Familiarity with multiphysics simulations.

Technical competencies:

• Production and analysis of thin-film coatings.
• Knowledge of metals and alloys: composition, structure, properties, heat treatments.
• Knowledge and application of materials, surface and thermal treatments for UHV.
• Knowledge of physical/chemical sorption and getters; design of sorption pumps.
• Pressure measurement and residual gas analysis in UHV systems.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Communicating Effectively: providing others with timely information; ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Achieving Results: defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project; dividing extensive work / projects into manageable sub-tasks with clearly defined milestones.
• Solving Problems: testing solutions for long-term suitability, cross-checking with all concerned before implementation. Recognizing what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture.
• Managing Self: maintaining a positive outlook even in difficult situations; demonstrating resilience and persistence in response to setbacks and adversity.

Language skills:

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

Additional Information:

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 04.09.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

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.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2025-162-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24

Organization: European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)