Vacuum Technician (TE-VSC-BVOGRAE)

Join the Vacuum Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group responsible for the design construction operation maintenance and continuous improvement of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) vacuum system.

As a Material and Surface Science Technician you will contribute to the consolidation upgrade and maintenance of the LHC beam vacuum systems during Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) starting in 2026.

Working as part of a dynamic operations team you will play a key role in preparing the accelerator for its next phase of high-performance operation.

Your responsibilities:

• Take part in on-site interventions in the LHC tunnel contributing to helium leak detection local heating operations and the activation of non-evaporable getter (NEG) coatings.
• Carry out ultra-high vacuum pressure measurements and analyse residual gas composition with mass spectrometry including identifying possible organic contaminants or air leaks.
• Assist in preparing and updating technical documentation tracking the NEG performance of the LHC vacuum system during LS3 activities.
• Support quality assurance efforts by validating each step of the process and producing detailed intervention reports to ensure traceability and compliance

Your profile:

• Basic understanding of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) principles.
• Awareness of outgassing phenomena in vacuum systems.
• Familiarity with simple techniques for creating and maintaining UHV environments.
• Basic knowledge of NEG (Non-Evaporable Getter) behaviour and use.
• Introductory know-how of quadrupole mass spectrometers (RGA) in UHV setups.
• Basic knowledge of helium leak detection methods.

Skills

• Able to operate basic ultra-high vacuum (UHV) gauges and read their data.
• Able to assist with helium leak detection and note basic results.
• Able to help prepare and update simple technical documentation.
• Able to support on-site vacuum tasks like NEG activation and checks.
• Spoken and written English or French with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Material and Surface Science (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants with a Bachelors Masters or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional Information :

Job closing date: 05.05.2026 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-September-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organizations installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation and classified as category A.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: TE-VSC-BVOGRAE

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job: 300090 - Mechanical Technician

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
• 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.

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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!

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Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time