Job Description
Your responsibilities
The Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group within the Technology (TE) Department is responsible for the entire lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems at CERN, from development and design to installation, operation, and maintenance. We operate facilities for measuring vacuum performance and material surface compatibility, as well as for thin film coating, surface finishing, and vacuum-related physical and chemical characterization.
These activities support the needs of the FCC-ee study, which aims to lower the surface resistance of Nb thin films used in radiofrequency regimes.
As an Applied Physicist, your main activities will include:
Performing Nb thin film coatings onto various types of Cu-based accelerating cavities (1.3GHz, 400MHz, 800MHz) using the HiPIMS technique;
Analyzing XRD quantitative data;
Studying the effects of different discharge gases on the RF surface resistance of Nb using HiPIMS;
Investigating dielectric barriers to suppress thermoelectric currents during SRF cavity cooldown;
Commissioning and operating a movable cathode sputtering system for 1.3GHz cavities;
Commissioning, operating, and optimizing a sputtering system for 2-cell 400MHz cavities;
Delivering 400MHz prototype cavities aligned with FCC-ee RF specifications.
Your profile
Skills:
Experience with the HiPIMS coating technique;
Experience with superconducting thin film elaboration on accelerating cavities;
Experience with X-ray diffraction data analysis using Rietveld refinement;
Experience with Ultra High Vacuum systems;
Experience working in a cleanroom environment;
Proficiency in English or French, with a willingness to learn the other language.
Eligibility criteria:
You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
You have a background in Material Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with 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 not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 15.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST .
Contract duration: 24 months, with possible extension up to 36 months.
Working hours: 40 hours/week.
Target start date: 01-October-2025.
Position requirements:
A valid driving license;
Stand-by duty as required;
Use of mobile work equipment or lifting equipment requiring driving authorization.
Medical clearance is required due to occupational health risks.
Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2025-103-GRAP
Field of work: Applied Physics
What we offer
A monthly stipend between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax);
Coverage by CERN's health scheme and pension fund;
Possible installation grant, family allowances, travel expenses;
30 days of paid leave per year ;
Training and language courses at CERN.
About us
At CERN, physicists and engineers explore the universe's fundamental structure using advanced scientific instruments. Learn more at http://home.cern .
Join us in our quest for discovery. Bring your expertise, develop your skills, and be part of world-class projects.
Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!
Diversity is a core value at CERN, central to our success.
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