Calorimeter Development Physicist (EP-LCB-2026-126-GRAP)

Job Description

As an applied physicist, you will contribute to the development of radiation-hard Spaghetti Calorimeter (SpaCal) technology with dense absorbers to achieve picosecond-level time resolutions. This work is part of the strategic detector R&D programme within the Experimental Physics (EP) Department at CERN.

Your Responsibilities

• Actively participate in ongoing R&D efforts to develop and optimise Spaghetti Calorimeter (SpaCal) technology for the LHCb PicoCal and other applications.
• Take part in the test-beam and laboratory characterisation of SpaCal prototype modules, with the aim of optimising the time resolution.
• Contribute to studies aimed at optimising photon detectors for SpaCal technology.
• Characterise novel radiation-hard, fast crystal scintillating fibres and organic scintillating materials.
• Document the results in scientific publications.

Your profile

• Proven track record in the development of detectors for particle physics experiments.
• Demonstrated experience in calorimeter detector testing, both in the laboratory and in test-beam environments.
• Experience in the characterisation of photon detectors and/or scintillators is an advantage.
• Experience in the simulation of optical calorimeter technologies is an advantage.

Skills

• Understanding of optical calorimeter concepts.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary team with physicists, engineers and technicians.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as C++ and Python.
• 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 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: 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: Hybrid.
• Target start date: 01-November-2026.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to lead.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: EP-LCB- -GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr