Detector Scientist (EP-ATL-TRK-2026-116-GRAP)

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CERN is seeking a Detector Scientist for the ITk pixel detector project, based onsite in Geneva. You will assemble and test silicon pixel detector modules, improve production throughput, expand parallel testing, develop in house software tools in Python to optimise workflows and analyse results, manage databases of measurements, and support the integration of modules into ITk sub-systems while collaborating with engineers and physicists. The ideal candidate has hands on experience with silicon detector modules or similar systems, lab instrumentation, quality control and automation with Python, plus data analysis and documentation skills, and the ability to thrive in large international teams under tight schedules. Eligibility requires CERN Member or Associate Member State status, a Master’s with 2-6 years or a PhD with up to 3 years postgrad experience, and no prior CERN fellowship. Benefits include a tax free CHF 6372-7004 monthly stipend, 30 days leave plus 2 weeks annual closure, health insurance and pension, relocation, and possible extension to 36 months. Deadline 14.07.2026 23:59 CEST. Start 01 September 2026. To maximise your chances, tailor your CV to highlight hands on detector work, lab automation with Python, data handling and QA, and concrete examples of collaboration across international teams, and show willingness to learn French and to work onsite.

Job Description

During the ATLAS Phase-II upgrade in Long Shutdown 3, an all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk) will be installed, consisting of four silicon strip layers and five hybrid pixel layers. The detector will provide exceptional radiation hardness and fast charged-particle reconstruction. The CERN ATL-TRK team contributes to the ITk pixel detector construction through the assembly, testing, and integration of hybrid pixel detector modules and their further integration into the detector.

Your responsibilities

• Assemble and test silicon pixel detector modules used in particle physics experiments.
• Support and improve production processes to achieve and maintain high throughput levels.
• Contribute to increasing the parallelisation of testing procedures in laboratory environments.
• Develop and maintain in-house software tools to optimise workflows and analyse test data.
• Work with databases to record, track, and evaluate measurement results.
• Present progress and results to internal teams and the wider project community.
• Assist in upgrading laboratory equipment and procedures to meet evolving project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, physicists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the integration of assembled detector modules into larger sub-systems of the ATLAS ITk Pixel detector.

Your profile

• Experience with the assembly, testing, and characterisation of silicon detector modules or similar systems.
• Practical experience with laboratory instrumentation such as probe stations, metrology systems, or optical inspection instruments.
• Ability to perform quality control measurements and evaluate results with attention to accuracy and repeatability.
• Experience in automating laboratory procedures and data acquisition using programming languages such as Python.
• Familiarity with data analysis, database tools, and documentation systems used in detector production or similar environments.
• Experience working in large, international research collaborations and contributing to common infrastructure or shared facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and deliver results under tight schedules in a production environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of silicon tracking detectors for high energy physics experiments.
• Experience in handling silicon detector modules and required laboratory equipment.
• Experience with common programming languages such as Python.
• Knowledge of data analysis and evaluation for silicon detector modules.
• Organised, accurate and independent approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and international collaborations.
• 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 Physics or Electronics (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: 14.07.2026 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:

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

Job reference: EP-ATL-TRK-2026-116-GRAP

Field of work: Experimental 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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