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.ch
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.
Job DescriptionJob Overview:
We are offering one post-doctoral research position in the field of applied physics and engineering. The successful candidates will be working in the Accelerator Systems departments of CERN. They will be performing research in the field of Accelerator Physics and System Design, including but not limited to:
- Design, develop and optimise beam transfer systems supporting CERN's accelerator complex and future accelerator projects.
- Perform accelerator physics studies, including beam optics design, particle tracking and multi-physics simulations, to support system design, validation and performance optimisation.
- Develop functional specifications for beam transfer systems based on accelerator physics requirements and engineering constraints.
- Develop and implement modern commissioning strategies using automation, numerical optimisation and data-driven techniques.
- Analyse beam and system performance to improve beam quality, operational efficiency and system reliability.
Candidate Profile:
- You have a strong background in applied physics, engineering or a closely related field.
- You have research experience in applied physics and engineering, ideally linked to the design, development or operation of experimental systems.
- You are interested in pursuing a career in research or academia and in taking an active role within a research project.
- You are motivated to contribute to large-scale experimental programmes in an international research environment.
Technical Skills:
- You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to experimental systems and technologies.
- You are able to work collaboratively within large, international and multidisciplinary teams.
- You communicate effectively in a scientific and technical environment.
- You are able to work independently while contributing to shared project objectives.
- Your PhD is in the fields of Applied Physics and Engineering.
Additional Information
CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion. In return, CERN will provide you with:
- An employment contract for in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months.
- A stipend of 7004 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: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva.
- 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
Your future Life @CERN
Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at CERN: https://careers.cern/benefits and https://careers.cern/our-people
All applications should reach us no later than 05.10.2026 at midnight (23:59 PM CET).
Please note that all the documents you upload will remain attached to your Smartrecruiters profile. You do not need to upload them again for other applications you might submit.
Global Benefits
- A monthly net stipend of either 7004 or 7425 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.
Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria
- You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached. A few exceptions are possible annually.
- By the application deadline, you have a PhD (or will obtain it within six months), and no more than 3 years’ research experience after completion of your PhD degree. Candidates with experience up to 6 years may exceptionally be considered.
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
- You have a good knowledge of English or French.
- Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.
- Please ensure that your application is submitted under the field of work indicated in the position title, as Experimental Physics, Applied Science and Engineering and Theoretical Physics are separate recruitment processes. All open positions within the programme are available on the Research Fellowship Programme page.
You will need these documents to complete your application
- Your CV (English or French)
- A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
- Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements, indicating the professional relationship from the referee to you. After submitting your application, you will receive a submission link to forward to your referees; letters must be uploaded confidentially before the closing date (uploading letters yourself is possible but discouraged).
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Skills Required
- PhD in Applied Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field by the application deadline or within six months
- Strong background in applied physics, engineering, or a closely related field
- Research experience in applied physics and engineering, ideally involving experimental system design, development, or operation
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to experimental systems and technologies
- Ability to work collaboratively in large, international, multidisciplinary teams
- Effective communication skills in a scientific and technical environment
- Ability to work independently while contributing to shared project objectives
- Interest in pursuing a research or academic career
- CERN Member State or Associate Member State nationality, subject to stated eligibility restrictions
- No more than three years of research experience after PhD completion, with exceptional consideration up to six years
- No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract
- Good knowledge of English or French
What We Do
CERN is an international laboratory for particle physics research, providing unique particle accelerator facilities to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works.
