Job Description
Join the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group, responsible for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) vacuum system.
As a Material and Surface Science Technician, you will contribute to the consolidation, upgrade, and maintenance of the LHC beam vacuum systems during Long Shutdown 3 (LS3), starting in 2026.
Working as part of a dynamic operations team, you will play a key role in preparing the accelerator for its next phase of high-performance operation.
Your responsibilities:
* Take part in on-site interventions in the LHC tunnel, contributing to helium leak detection, local heating operations, and the activation of non-evaporable getter (NEG) coatings.
* Carry out ultra-high vacuum pressure measurements and analyse residual gas composition with mass spectrometry, including identifying possible organic contaminants or air leaks.
* Assist in preparing and updating technical documentation, tracking the NEG performance of the LHC vacuum system during LS3 activities.
* Support quality assurance efforts by validating each step of the process and producing detailed intervention reports to ensure traceability and compliance
Your profile:
* Basic understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles.
* Awareness of outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems.
* Familiarity with simple techniques for creating and maintaining UHV environments.
* Basic knowledge of NEG (Non-Evaporable Getter) behaviour and use.
* Introductory know-how of quadrupole mass spectrometers (RGA) in UHV setups.
* Basic knowledge of helium leak detection methods.
Skills
* Able to operate basic ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges and read their data.
* Able to assist with helium leak detection and note basic results.
* Able to help prepare and update simple technical documentation.
* Able to support on-site vacuum tasks, like NEG activation and checks.
* Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.
Eligibility criteria:
* You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
* By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Material and Surface Science (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
* You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
* Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree are not eligible.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 05.05.2026 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: Fully Onsite
Target start date: 01-September-2026
This position involves:
* Work in Radiation Areas.
* Interventions in underground installations.
* Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
* A valid driving licence.
* Exposure to ionizing radiation and classified as category A.
Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.
Job reference: TE-VSC-BVO-2026-106-GRAE
Field of work: Material and Surface Science
Benchmark job: 300090 - Mechanical Technician
Global Benefits
* A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
* 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.
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