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.
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Job description
The ATLAS Experiment at CERN is preparing for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) by upgrading its Inner Tracker (ITk). A key component of this upgrade is the construction of a new hybrid pixel detector, comprising more than 8,000 silicon pixel modules.
As part of the CERN ATLAS team, you will contribute to the operation, development, and optimisation of highly automated quality control (QC) systems used during detector production. Your work will focus on detector readout, data handling, and test automation, helping to ensure the reliable testing and validation of detector components.
Your responsibilities
Commission and operate complex data acquisition systems for the testing of single and multiple loaded local supports.
Develop and validate software and firmware for detector readout and high-speed data transmission within QC applications.
Operate, maintain and optimise QC test setups, including software for test automation, data analysis and database management.
Contribute to quality control testing of multi-module structures, verifying their electrical and thermal performance.
Monitor component performance, document test results, and report production status to the collaboration.
Your profile
Demonstrated experience with detector readout systems in high-energy physics.
Experience in FPGA firmware development would be an asset.
Hands-on experience in handling silicon detector modules and the required laboratory equipment.
Experience with quality control testing of silicon detectors and the analysis of the acquired data.
Experience with Python and software development tools (e.g. GitLab).
Familiarity with databases used in detector production or similar environments would be an asset.
Skills
Ability to identify and solve problems in complex detector readout systems.
Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver results under tight deadlines in a production environment.
Ability to perform quality control measurements and critically evaluate results, with a strong focus on accuracy and reproducibility.
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams within an international collaboration.
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, Experimental Physics, Electronics Engineering (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.
This position involves:
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organisation's installations.
A valid driving licence.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
What we offer
A monthly net stipend of either 6,372 or 7,004 Swiss Francs per month 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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