Cryogenic Engineer (TE-CRG-CL-2025-139-GRAP)

Job Description

Your responsibilities

As a Cryogenic Engineer, you will join the CryoLab (CL) Section of the Cryogenics (CRG) Group within the Technology (TE) Department. This section is in charge of consultancy and support in the cryogenic fields of scientific and technical studies within CERN, focusing on design, metrology, calibration, measurements, quality assurance, tests and validation of technical solutions.

The SHiP ( Search for Hidden Particles ) experiment, scheduled for commissioning in 2032, will include a superconducting superferric spectrometer magnet, an energy-efficient alternative to traditional normal conducting structures. This magnet is made using MgB2 and needs to operate at around 20 K.

Building on the experience gained from the EESD (Energy-Efficient Superferric Demonstrator) magnet, you will design a cooling system for the magnet and associated thermal shield, based on off-the-shelf cryocoolers that cool down a closed-loop Helium circuit at 10 bar, 20 K that is embedded in the magnet's supporting structure. In addition to sizing calculations and cooling scheme design, you will coordinate the construction and commissioning of the proximity cryogenics (satellite box) and transfer line to the magnet cryostat, which is due mid-2028.

Your profile

Skills:

• Good understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics;
• Hands-on experience in setting up experimental test stations;
• Knowledge of cryogenics/low temperature physics would be an asset;
• Ability to create technical drawings in a CAD environment would be an asset;
• Project coordination in multidisciplinary and international teams;
• Demonstrated autonomy;
• Problem-solving and analytical mindset;
• Effective communication and presentation abilities;
• 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 Mechanical Engineering/Applied Physics (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 30.09.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-November-2025

This position involves:

• Use of certain mobile work equipment or equipment used for lifting loads (lifting equipment, bridge cranes, aerial work platforms, etc.) requiring a driving authorisation.

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

Job reference: TE-CRG-CL-2025-139-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287  and 6911  Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.