About us

At CERN, the European Organisation 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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Are you about to graduate or recently obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering or Material Science (or related field): then join the Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings (VSC) group at CERN and take part in the development and operation of advanced vacuum systems used in particle acceleration.

Your responsibilities

The VSC group is responsible for the development, design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the entire vacuum systems at CERN. In this context it operates facilities for thin film coating, surface finishing, and vacuum-related physical and chemical characterisation.

As a Chemical Engineer or Material Science Engineer in the Surface, Coatings, and Chemistry section (SCC) of the VSC group, your main activities will consist of:

• Perform chemical analyses on different materials (surface contaminations by oils, metals or polymers; polymer identification; quality control of gases and electrochemical baths; diagnostics for troubleshooting...) related to the CERN accelerators by operating the instrumentation of the chemistry laboratory (FTIR, XRF, DSC, ICP-OES, GC and etc.);
• Contribute to quality control and R&D projects by developing and optimising material characterisation and analysis procedures;
• Participate in the maintenance of the laboratory instrumentation;
• Document results by written reports and presentations.

Your profile

Skills:

• Experience of chemical analysis of organic and inorganic compounds;
• Ability to work in a multicultural team;
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

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 Chemistry or Materials Science (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

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 Organisation.
• Exposure to lead.
• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 5,134 and 5,647 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

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