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
As part of the ATLAS Detector Cooling team, you will contribute to the qualification, integration, and commissioning of the 2PACL CO₂ cooling system supporting future detector upgrades. You will be involved in thermal testing, instrumentation and DAQ development, data analysis, and the installation and commissioning of cooling infrastructure, gaining unique experience in the deployment of complex systems for a world-leading scientific experiment.
Your responsibilities
Contribute to the testing and validation of detector structures and 2PACL CO₂ cooling system components, including comparison of experimental results with simulation models.
Participate in the design, construction, and operation of thermal test setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Analyse and interpret test data to assess system performance and support detector integration activities.
Collaborate with detector teams by providing technical feedback and supporting detector integration and commissioning work.
Contribute to the installation, commissioning, and performance validation of the 2PACL cooling system, including cooling distribution lines and vacuum infrastructure.
Your profile
Initial experience in thermal-fluid systems, cooling technologies, or heat transfer gained through academic, research, or engineering projects.
Experience with simulation or modelling of thermal and fluid systems.
Experience using CAD software for 2D and/or 3D mechanical design (e.g. CATIA V5 or similar tools).
Hands-on experience with instrumentation, laboratory testing, or data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Experience analysing and interpreting experimental or simulation data.
Skills
Good understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer principles, ideally including exposure to two-phase cooling systems.
Knowledge of fluid mechanics and thermal-fluid system behaviour.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
Familiarity with instrumentation, sensor integration, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems.
Understanding of SCADA systems and industrial control environments.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
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 Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Refrigeration (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:
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays (for the Mechanical Engineering position).
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays (for the Mechanical Engineering position).
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.
What we offer
A monthly net stipend of either 5,266 or 5,793 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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