Detector Physicist (EP-DT-GD-2026-95-GRAP)

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Join CERN as a Detector Physicist to advance modelling and optimise gas mixtures. You will develop Garfield++ tools, define performance indicators, and validate predictions with data while coordinating with CERN’s detector R&D community. Requirements include experience with MPGDs, RPCs, TPCs or drift chambers, detector modelling and software development, and gas mixtures studies. Eligible are nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State with a Master plus 2-6 years or PhD with up to 3 years postgrad experience, and no prior CERN fellowship. Onsite in Geneva, 40 hours weekly, 24 months with possible extension. Application by 25 June 2026; start 1 August 2026. Tips: tailor your CV to Garfield++ contributions, collaboration, and language readiness.

Job Description

Gaseous particle detectors are essential in particle physics and radiation detection, encompassing technologies such as Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), straw and drift tubes, Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), drift chambers, and Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). These detectors - all under consideration for future experiments - differ in their underlying detector physics, readout, and specifications, yet all benefit from predictive modelling and simulation to guide design, gas choice, performance optimisation, and operation.

The EP-RD group has consolidated extensive expertise in this field, establishing frameworks that link microscopic processes — including electron transport, gas amplification and signal induction — with macroscopic detector response.

Building on this foundation, the fellowship will focus on two complementary objectives: development/support of modelling and simulation tools, and gas mixture optimisation and identification.

Your responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of the Garfield++ modelling and simulation framework for gaseous detectors, including the integration of novel technological approaches.
• Develop and improve methodologies and software tools for the selection, characterisation, and optimisation of detector gas mixtures. This includes identifying key measurements and performance indicators, predicting trends linking medium properties to detector behaviour, and supporting experimental validation through available data and dedicated measurements.
• Maintain active liaison and collaboration with modelling and simulation developers working on detector technologies relevant to CERN.
• Coordinate community efforts within the DRD1 Collaboration framework towards common objectives relevant to CERN detector R&D activities.
• Support a deeper understanding of detector mechanisms and providing essential guidance for detector optimisation and performance improvement.
• Upgrade simulation tools to address current challenges, new technological solutions, and evolving requirements.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile

• Experience with gaseous particle detectors (e.g. MPGDs, RPCs, TPCs, drift chambers).
• Experience in detector modelling and simulation.
• Experience with detector physics processes such as electron transport, gas amplification, and signal induction.
• Experience in software development and scientific computing.
• Experience in gas-mixture studies and detector-performance optimisation.
• Experience with data analysis and experimental validation.
• Experience working in collaborative detector R&D environments.

Skills

• Strong modelling and simulation skills.
• Scientific programming and data-analysis skills.
• Ability to evaluate and optimise detector performance.
• Research, problem-solving, and innovation skills.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• 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.
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics, 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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 25.06.2026 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-August-2026

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-DT-GD-2026-95-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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