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 Resonance Ionisation Laser Ion Source (RILIS), ISOLDE's principal ion source, is being consolidated after over 30 years of operation. The laboratory housing the laser installation has been dismantled and is being rebuild with a larger footprint and improved safety.
With ISOLDE aiming to deliver beams again in summer of 2028 to its user community of >1,000 scientists from across the world, we are looking for an experienced person who will help us to reinstall the laser system and recommission it for ion beam generation.
Your responsibilities
Install the lasers as well as the required hard- and software to operate the RILIS on a 24/7 basis with automated laser beam stabilisation and monitoring.
Test the new pump lasers.
Develop new resonance ionisation schemes, targeted at moving RILIS into a fully solid-state laser laboratory.
Document the laser system, creating a detailed operational requirement specification.
Participate in set up and operation of the laser ion source including on-call operational duties.
Your profile
Demonstrated experience in the installation, commissioning and operation of complex laser systems.
Strong background in experimental photonics, laser physics or optical instrumentation.
Experience with laboratory automation, control systems and scientific software development.
Experience preparing technical documentation and operational procedures.
Advantageous
Experience with ion sources, accelerator facilities or large-scale scientific infrastructures.
Experience with vacuum systems, instrumentation, safety systems or machine operation.
Familiarity with high-availability research facilities supporting user programmes.
Knowledge of resonance ionisation spectroscopy.
Knowledge of CAD Modelling Software.
Fundamentals of programming languages & software architecture.
Skills
Proven ability to diagnose and solve complex technical problems in experimental environments.
Ability to work both independently and as part of an international multidisciplinary team.
Language skills
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 Physics, Applied Physics, Photonics, 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:
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work in Radiation Areas.
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 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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