Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets (EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP)

Job Description

This project focuses on the conceptual designs and conductor studies for large superconducting detector magnets planned for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) at CERN, the proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider.

The work involves designing large superconducting solenoids that generate strong magnetic fields to help identify and measure particles produced in electron-positron collisions.

Responsibilities include analytical and finite‑element studies of magnet windings, including thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling and mechanical performance.

The role also includes supporting conductor R&D through studies and prototyping of low- and high‑temperature superconductors.

Additional tasks involve manufacturing, testing and characterising conductor samples for their superconducting, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct conceptual and finite‑element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling and mechanical performance.
• Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications.
• Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low‑temperature and high‑temperature superconductors.
• Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing and experimental testing campaigns.
• Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
• Profile
• Background in superconductivity and superconducting technologies.
• Experience with superconducting magnet design and superconductor studies.
• Knowledge of materials science and characterisation techniques.
• Familiarity with experimental physics and cryogenic systems.
• Experience with analytical and finite‑element analysis methods.

Skills

• Finite element analysis skills using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL.
• Capability to conduct experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups and execution of measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation.
• Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments.
• Independent work and autonomous management of tasks.
• Ability to present and document the outcome of studies.
• Ability to supervise students or junior contributors.
• 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 Applied Physics (or a related field) and have either:
• A master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of post‑graduation professional experience.
• Or a Ph D 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

• 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.
• 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-CMS-IC- -GRAP.
• Field of work: Applied Physics.

• Benchmark job

• Applied Physicist.

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.
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