Applied Physicist for Superconducting RF (SY-RF-SRF-2025-263-GRAP)

Job Description

As an Applied Physicist, you'll join the Superconducting RF Cavity Technology (SRF) Section of the Radio Frequency (RF) Group within the Accelerator Systems (SY) Department. This section is responsible for the design, maintenance, and upgrading of superconducting RF cavity systems in CERN accelerators. You will join a small team engaged in the research and development of superconducting RF materials with the aim to improve the performance of superconducting thin films deposited on copper for SRF applications. This is particularly important for the design and development for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

Your responsibilities

• Conducting RF measurements at cryogenics temperatures of 1.3 GHz single cell cavities.
• Conducting RF measurements of flat samples with a quadrupole resonator.
• Developing diagnostics tools for thermal and magnetic mapping.
• Data analysis.
• Correlation analysis for coating parameters and standard DC superconducting quantities.

Your profile

• Experience with RF measurements and data analysis.
• Experience with laboratory work (cleanroom experience would be an advantage).
• Experience with Python and Python-based data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenics systems would be an asset.

Skills:

• Deep know-how of classical electrodynamics and RF measurement techniques;
• Experience with a finite element electromagnetic simulation software;
• Knowledge of RF superconductivity theory would be an advantage;
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics, Electronics 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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 15.01.2026 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-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• A valid driving licence.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

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-RF-SRF-2025-263-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending 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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