Applied Physicist in Gas Detectors and Systems

The position involves operating, maintaining, and developing gas systems for particle detectors at CERN's Large Hadron Collider experiments. The role includes ensuring stable gas mixtures, contributing to R&D for eco-friendly gases, and supporting 24/7 operational reliability during LHC runs.

Responsibilities

• Active involvement in the operation, maintenance, and technical upgrades of gas systems for one of the LHC experiments, ensuring continuous and stable operation.
• Participation in the "piquet" (stand-by duty) service, providing technical support and rapid intervention to ensure 24/7 operational reliability of gas systems during LHC runs.
• Contribution to R&D studies aimed at identifying replacements for currently used greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as R134a and SF6.
• Contribution to and responsibility for the operation of test setups in the laboratory and at CERN facilities, where the high-radiation background expected during the High-Luminosity LHC phase can be simulated.
• Validation of the compatibility of new eco-friendly gases with components used in gas system construction, ensuring no impact on detector performance.
• Learning about gaseous detectors, gas systems, gas recirculation, and gas recuperation.

Requirements

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State, excluding Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for 2026 start date.
• By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation.
• You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Experience in operating different types of gaseous detectors.
• Experience in the design, operation, or maintenance of gas systems.
• Practical knowledge of industrial instrumentation and sensors.
• Experience in operating gaseous detectors in high-radiation environments and with eco-gases.
• Ability to perform technical interventions in experimental areas.
• Your studies focused on Physics or Engineering.
• A valid driving licence.
• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Skills

• Operating gaseous detectors
• Gas system design
• Gas system maintenance
• Industrial instrumentation
• Sensor technologies
• High-radiation environment operations
• Eco-gas handling
• Technical Interventions
• Physics knowledge
• Engineering Knowledge
• Stand-by duty participation
• Underground installation interventions
• Radiation area work
• Driving License

Languages

English, French