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

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CERN seeks an Applied Physicist for Future Superconducting Detector Magnets to advance magnet designs and conductor studies for FCC‑ee. The role blends analytical and finite‑element studies of windings with thermal behavior and cryogenic cooling, plus conductor R&D, prototyping and experimental work, and supervising junior contributors. A strong background in superconductivity and magnet design, experience with Ansys or COMSOL, cryogenics and materials characterization, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams are essential. English is required, with learning French expected. Eligibility: CERN Member or Associate Member State; Master’s with 2–6 years or PhD with up to 3 years postgrad experience; no prior CERN fellowship. Onsite in Geneva, 24 months with possible extension; apply by 23 July 2026. Tips: tailor your CV to highlight relevant projects, quantify impact, show independent task ownership and supervision.

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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