Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets (EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP)

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CERN seeks an Applied Physicist to design and study Future Superconducting Detector Magnets for FCC-ee, focusing on superconducting solenoids that enable precise particle identification in electron-positron collisions. You will carry out analytical and finite-element studies of windings, cryogenic cooling and mechanical performance, support magnet design and conductor R&D, and prototype and test conductors while potentially supervising junior staff. The ideal candidate has a background in superconductivity, magnet design, materials science and cryogenics, with hands on experience in Ansys or COMSOL and in experimental campaigns. Eligibility: CERN Member or Associate Member State; Master with 2–6 years or PhD up to 3 years; no prior CERN fellowship. Deadline 23 July 2026. On-site in Geneva with a CHF salary, 30 days leave, health and pension, relocation and training. Start Sep 1 2026; 24 months with possible extension.

Job Description

This project focuses on the conceptual designs and conductor studies for large superconducting detector magnets planned for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) at CERN, the proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider.

The work involves designing large superconducting solenoids that generate strong magnetic fields to help identify and measure particles produced in electron-positron collisions.

Responsibilities include analytical and finite-element studies of magnet windings, including thermal behavior, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.

The role also includes supporting conductor R&D through studies and prototyping of low- and high-temperature superconductors. Additional tasks involve manufacturing, testing and characterising conductor samples for their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct conceptual and finite-element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.
• Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications.
• Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors.
• Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing, and experimental testing campaigns.
• Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

• Background in superconductivity and superconducting technologies.
• Experience with superconducting magnet design and superconductor studies.
• Knowledge of materials science and characterisation techniques.
• Familiarity with experimental physics and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with analytical and finite-element analysis methods.

Skills:

• Finite element analysis skills using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL.
• Capability to conduct experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups, and execution of measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation.
• Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments.
• Independent work and autonomous management of tasks.
• Ability to present and document the outcome of studies
• Ability to supervise students or junior contributors.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

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

Additional Information

Job closing date: 23.07.2026 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:

• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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.

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