Applied Physicist/Engineer - ATLAS ITk - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Reception testing of ITk Silicon Pixel Detector elements and testing of multi-module Pixel structures for integration into ITk Pixel Outer Barrel
• Testing and verification of integrated ITk Pixel Detector structures and services and combined testing with ITk Strip Detector in surface integration facility
• Deploy and improve software and hardware elements for integration testing and service validation for Pixel Detector and combined ITk
• Document procedures and results for ITk integration testing and service validation and develop testing procedures for ITk Detector after installation
• Participate hands-on in ITk Detector integration work in surface cleanroom and preparation of equipment for testing stages

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Applied Physics, Engineering, or related field
• Experience: Proven experience in construction and integration of silicon pixel detectors for high energy physics experiments; proven experience in testing and data analysis of silicon detector systems; proven experience in silicon detector operation and quality control including development, installation and commissioning of laboratory infrastructure; experience in development of DAQ/online software or detec…
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components, Assembly and integration of detectors, Construction, test and installation of electromechanical equipment and systems, Development of application software, Assembly and integration of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities, Achieving Results, Demonstrating Flexibility, Working in Teams, Managing Self, Communicating Effectively
• Eligibility: Applications welcome from all Member States and Associate Member States; valid driving licence required; work in radiation areas and underground installations; work during nights, Sundays and official holidays when required

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, with possibility to extend up to 8 years and eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Tracker section (EP-ATL-TRK), CERN ATLAS Team.

Position details

Reference

EP-ATL-TRK-2026-208-LD

Last Verified

18 October 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Applied Physicist/Engineer - ATLAS ITk at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is EP-ATL-TRK-2026-208-LD. The role falls under the Research domain.

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction

The CERN ATLAS Team plays a major role in the construction of the future silicon ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk). In particular, the final integration of the ITk detector prior to installation in the experiment is a crucial step to validate the full functionality. As an applied physicist or engineer in the CERN-ATL Team, you will join the Tracker section (EP-ATL-TRK) and work closely with personnel from the Detector Technologies Group (EP-DT) on the construction and integration of the ATLAS ITk Pixel System and its integration into the ATLAS ITk.

Functions

- Reception testing of ITk Silicon Pixel Detector elements and testing of multi-module Pixel structures to be integrated into the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel. - Testing and verification of integrated ITk Pixel Detector structures and services as well as combined testing with the ITk Strip Detector in the surface integration facility (SR1) at CERN. - Deploy and improve software and hardware elements for integration testing and service validation (online, detector control, detector safety) for the Pixel Detector and the combined ITk. - Document procedures and results for ITk integration testing and service validation and develop testing procedures for the ITk Detector after installation. - Participate hands-on in the ITk Detector integration work in the surface cleanroom as well as the preparation of equipment for the different testing stages.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physicist or Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

- Proven experience in the construction and integration of silicon pixel detectors for high energy physics experiments. - Proven experience in the testing and data analysis of silicon detector systems. - Proven experience in silicon detector operation and quality control including the development, installation and commissioning of laboratory infrastructure. - Experience in the development of DAQ/online software or detector control systems for silicon detector testing and operation. - Demonstrated experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team and international collaboration, including physicists, engineers and technicians involved in work on detector construction.

The following experience would be an advantage:

- Experience on interpreting CAD designs of mechanics components or cooling plant operation. - Assembly of sensitive equipment in a clean room environment.

Technical competencies:

- Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components. - Assembly and integration of detectors. - Construction, test and installation of electromechanical equipment and systems. - Development of application software. - Assembly and integration of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities.

Behavioural competencies:

- Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations. - Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements. - Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships. - Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting. - Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

- Work in Radiation Areas. - Interventions in underground installations. - A valid driving licence. - Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-ATL-TRK-2026-208-LD

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

- A competitive salary(tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience. - 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. - Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN -Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!TAKE PART!

More information about us, here:careers.cern

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 9 October 2026, 9 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 18 October 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.