Material Scientist - ISOL Targets (SY-STI-RBP-2026-166-GRAE)

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This CERN vacancy invites a Materials Scientist or related specialist to help develop next generation ISOLDE target materials for radioactive ion beam production, blending materials science, chemistry and nuclear physics as you design, synthesise, process and characterise innovative materials and contribute to CERN’s new chemical and nano laboratories while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams; the contract is 24 months with possible extension to 36, starting 1 October 2026 in Geneva onsite. Eligibility requires being a CERN Member or Associate Member State national, no more than two years post‑graduation experience, and a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with no PhD or prior CERN fellowship. Assets include actinide materials and nanosized or porous systems, glovebox operation, and handling of radioactive materials. Tips: tailor your CV to demonstrate material development, processing and characterisation, highlight hands‑on lab work and data analysis, emphasise collaboration and publications, and show readiness to learn French. Benefits include a tax free CHF salary, generous leave and health cover, pension, relocation assistance, and training.

Job Description

The Radioactive Beam Production section (SY-STI-RBP) is seeking a Material Scientist, Materials Engineer, Chemist, or related specialist to contribute to the development of next-generation target materials for radioactive ion beam production at the ISOLDE facility.

As a graduate in the RBP section, you will work on the development, characterisation, and production of innovative target materials, both in the upcoming chemical and nano laboratory and in the newly established nano-laboratory dedicated to nano-actinide materials. You will contribute directly to advancing radioactive ion beam production, working at the interface of materials science, chemistry, nuclear physics, and atomic physics.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop novel target materials for radioactive ion beam production.
• Design, synthesise, process, and optimise advanced materials with tailored microstructures and extraction properties.
• Contribute to the commissioning of the new chemical and nano laboratory.
• Utilise the section's chemical laboratory and nano-laboratory facilities to develop and produce innovative target materials, including nano-actinide-based systems.
• Plan and conduct material characterisation campaigns using appropriate analytical and structural characterisation techniques.
• Actively participate in the qualification, operation, testing, and evaluation of the materials.
• Analyse experimental performance data and translate findings into improved material designs and production processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, engineers, and technicians within CERN and with international partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations at international conferences and workshops.

Your profile:

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in materials development, synthesis, and processing.
• Experience in powder processing technologies and material fabrication techniques.
• Experience with material characterisation methods and interpretation of analytical data.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset:

• Development and characterisation of nanosized or porous materials.
• Operation and use of glovebox systems.
• Handling and processing of radioactive materials.
• Safe handling and processing of nanometric materials.
• Actinide material development and characterisation.

Skills:

• Materials Development and Engineering.
• Materials Characterisation and Data Analysis.
• Nanomaterials.
• Experimental Research and Problem Solving.
• Laboratory Operations and Commissioning.
• Collaboration in Multidisciplinary Teams.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 27.07.2026 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-October-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.

Job reference: SY-STI-RBP-2026-166-GRAE

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job: 200080 - Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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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