Applied Physicist - 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:

• Lead the production and testing of electronics boards for RPC detectors
• Test and validate pre-production Front-End, Low Voltage, and connection boards
• Coordinate quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities
• Support the integration of electronics boards into RPC detectors
• Participate in QA/QC testing of fully equipped chambers
• Debug problematic chambers
• Support the installation of new chambers in the ATLAS experiment
• Coordinate testing before and after installation

Are you eligible?

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

• Education: PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field
• Experience: Strong experience in the design, debugging and operations of fast electronics boards for gaseous detectors. Demonstrated experience in operating and commissioning of gaseous detectors. Knowledge of gas detectors physics.
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Design and simulation of front-end electronics for analog sensors and transducers, Knowledge and application of gas based particle detection technologies, Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components, Analysis and optimisation of detector performance, Assembly and integration of detectors, Demonstrating Accountability, Demonstrating Flexibility, Solving Problems, Managing Self
• Eligibility: Applications welcome from all Member States and Associate Member States. Work in Radiation Areas. Interventions in underground installations. Valid driving licence required.

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 4 years, subject to certain conditions holders may apply for an indefinite position. Possibility to extend contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: ATLAS Group.

Position details

Reference

EP-ATL-TRK-2026-192-LD

Last Verified

15 September 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Applied Physicist at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is EP-ATL-TRK-2026-192-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:

As an Applied Physicist, you will join the ATLAS Group at CERN and be part of the team which is working on the upgrade of the muon spectrometer of the ATLAS detector. In this upgrade you will play a crucial role, leading the electronics integration in the new RPC detectors to be used in the Inner layer of the Barrel Muon Spectrometer.

An important part of the job will be the installation and commissioning of the new detectors in the ATLAS cavern. Your experience in commissioning and operations of gaseous detectors will be a strong asset which coupled with your versatility, and strong team spirit will be essential to the success of the ATLAS muon upgrade program.

Functions:

Lead the production and testing of electronics boards, including:

- Testing and validating pre-production Front-End, Low Voltage, and connection boards. - Coordinating quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities. - Supporting the integration of electronics boards into RPC detectors. - Participating in QA/QC testing of fully equipped chambers. - Debugging of problematic chambers.

Support the installation of new chambers in the ATLAS experiment, including:

- Coordinating testing before and after installation. - Acting as the main contact between the RPC project and Technical Coordination during installation. - Coordinating detector commissioning after installation.

- PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.

Experience:

- Strong experience in the design, debugging and operations of fast electronics boards for gaseous detectors. - Demonstrated experience in operating and commissioning of gaseous detectors. - Knowledge of gas detectors physics. - Ability to work effectively in small to medium-sized teams under a leadership role.

Technical competencies:

- Design and simulation of front-end electronics for analog sensors and transducers. - Knowledge and application of gas based particle detection technologies. - Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components. - Analysis and optimisation of detector performance. - Assembly and integration of detectors.

Behavioural competencies:

- Demonstrating Accountability: using openness and honesty to interact constructively with others. - Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements. - Solving Problems: producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements. - Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.

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 04.10.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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-2026-192-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 7 September 2026, 8 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 15 September 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.