Detector Physicist LHCb VELO (EP-LCBGRAP)

This role focuses on the LHCb VELO detector covering its operation maintenance and future upgrades. During the Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) in late 2026 you will help prepare the detector ensure its safe state and coordinate maintenance activities. You will support the replacement and testing of VELO modules using a dedicated CERN test setup and assist external institutes with their module parallel you will analyse Run 3 data to improve detector performance and simulations for Run 4. You will also contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D activities working on areas such as RF box design vacuum systems module design and cooling in collaboration with CERN experts.

Your responsibilities

• Participate in preparing the VELO detector for LS3 including safe state procedures and intervention planning.
• Support the recommissioning of the CERN slice test setup (cooling vacuum slow control DAQ safety systems) for module testing.
• Analyse Run 3 VELO data to characterise detector performance improve the understanding of its behaviour.
• Prepare Run 4 recommissioning.
• Contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D focusing on RF vacuum module cooling or module design

More information here.

Your profile

• Commissioning and/or operating a large detector.
• Detector data analysis.
• Commissioning laboratory test setups including LV HV vacuum or other associated systems.
• Experience with one field at the interface between the LHC and the VELO (ex. motion and safety system impedance vacuum beam background etc...).

Skills

• Expertise in detector physics.
• Proficiency in programming (ideally python and C at least one of the two).
• Knowledge of SCADA system (WinCC or other).
• 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 Particle Physics Detector Physics (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Masters 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: 08.04.2026 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-July-2026

This position involves:

• Stand-by duty when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Work during nights Sundays and official holidays when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job reference: EP-LCBGRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERNs 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.

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:

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time