Applied Physicist - Beam-Dust Interactions

Do you want to contribute to solving a long-standing mystery of particle accelerators: why can tiny dust grains have such a big impact on high energy particle beams? This could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You will lead the development of a novel experimental setup, from design and construction to commissioning, combining computational studies and hands-on testing to advance cutting-edge accelerator research.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and develop a dedicated test stand to study beam-dust interactions in accelerator environments.
• Conduct cutting-edge research in collaboration with experts in beam physics, machine protection, and vacuum technology.
• Develop and apply physics models for the charging and release mechanisms of macroscopic dust grains on conducting and insulating surfaces.
• Design and execute experimental tests to validate theoretical models.
• Investigate controlled methods for producing and reproducing beam-dust interaction events.
• Identify and propose mitigation strategies to minimise dust-induced beam losses in future accelerator facilities.

Your profile:

• Demonstrated experience in modelling physics phenomena.
• Experience in setting up and conducting laboratory experiments, including measurement analysis.
• Experience with numerical simulations and scientific computing would be an asset.

Skills:

• Solid understanding of particle accelerators and beam physics.
• Strong foundation in classical electrodynamics.
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with experts from different technical domains.
• Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
• 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 or related field (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: 22.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-January-2027

Job reference: TE-MPE-CB-2026-139-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month 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.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern