Join the Linear and Non-Linear Optics (LNO) Section within CERN's Accelerator and Beam Physics (ABP) Group and help shape the future of the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC). As part of the Optics Measurement and Correction (OMC) team, you will develop advanced software and analysis tools that enable precise beam-optics measurements and corrections, as well as improve commissioning procedures.
Your work will play a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and high-performance operation of the HL-LHC, contributing directly to the successful delivery of its novel physics programme.
Your responsibilities
- Maintain and extend the core OMC framework and toolset used during LHC commissioning and operation.
- Explore software solutions to improve the efficiency and capability of optics measurement and corrections in the LHC.
- Update accelerator model creation and correction algorithms to utilise new simulation tools.
- Explore the viability of automation for key measurement and analysis workflows, implementing solutions where possible.
- Develop new GUIs and analysis tools to be used in the CERN Control Centre during optics commissioning.
- Participate in, and contribute to the analysis of, optics measurements in the CERN accelerators.
Your profile
- Background in programming and software design, with experience in Python.
- Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative workflows (Github).
- Experience of GUI development.
- Knowledge of particle accelerator physics and operation would be an advantage.
Skills
- Software development. in Python.
- GUI development
- Ability to test, diagnose and optimise existing software.
- Structured approach towards work, good prioritisation skills to deliver results on required time-lines.
- Ability and willingness to share knowledge and participate in knowledge transfer activities.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Interest in developing and maintaining software solutions for applied physics, particularly the field of accelerator physics.
- Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- You have a professional background in Physics, Software 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.
Job closing date: 26.10.2026 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: Hybrid
Target start date: 01-January-2027
This position involves:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job reference: BE-ABP-LNO-2026-132-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
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Physics, Software Engineering, or a related field with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience
- PhD in Physics, Software Engineering, or a related field with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience
- Professional programming and software design experience
- Experience with Python
- Familiarity with version control systems and collaborative workflows, including GitHub
- Experience with GUI development
- Ability to test, diagnose, and optimize existing software
- Nationality of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
- No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract
- Knowledge of particle accelerator physics and operation
- English or French proficiency and commitment to learn the other language
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.
