Detector Physicist (EP-DT-DD-2024-131-GRAP) (2024)

Your responsibilities

MPGDs play a crucial role in shaping the future of experiments due to their achievable performance over large areas. With the exploration of innovative concepts and advancements in manufacturing techniques, a diverse array of options exists, pushing performances to the limit and adapting these technologies very well to a diversified set of requirements.

This position is dedicated to designing and testing novel MPGD solutions that are relevant in the context of the CERN EP strategic R&D program on technologies for future experiments. The work is done in collaboration with the MPT workshop, where new technological and manufacturing solutions are explored. In particular, new possibilities arising from the implementation of resistive layers within these detectors will be studied, benefiting from the new magneto-sputtering machine present at the MPT workshop.

In this role, the Graduate will join the Gaseous Detector Development (GDD) team of the Detector Technology (DT) Group of the Experimental Physics (EP) Department. The GDD team is at the forefront of gaseous and micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD) technologies, designing and testing innovative detectors based on Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs), Micromegas, Micro-RWELL, THGEMs, and more. This project will have strong synergies with the research programme of the newly established DRD1 Collaboration, specifically in the context of Work Package 1 (muon systems) and Working Group 7 (Characterization and Test Facilities).

Specifically, you will:

• Contribute to the full design and testing of MPGDs.
• Closely follow production steps and perform systematic studies to improve detector performance.
• Master and develop various techniques for the characterization of:
  • Resistive coating (e.g. DLC, B4C)
  • Detector components (e.g. GEM, micro-RWELL readout planes)
  • Detectors (e.g. laboratory tests, test beams)
• Play a key role in manufacturing processes for advanced detectors, supporting CERN’s EP R&D program.

More information here: https://gdd.web.cern.ch/

Your profile

Skills and/or knowledge

• Strong understanding of detector physics.
• Experience in gaseous detector design, assembly, and testing.
• Strong background in instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Fluent in English; the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

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

Job closing date: 13.08.2024 at 12:00 AM (midnight) CEST.

Job reference: EP-DT-DD-2024-131-GRAP

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

Target start date: 01-September-2024

This position requires:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 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 circ*mstances: 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.