Applied Physicist (TE-MSC-HSD-2026-10-GRAP)

Entry

Overview

Contribute to the design and experimental characterization of high-temperature superconducting cables and coils.

You have:

• Proven experience in applied superconductivity (HTS or LTS materials, cables, or coils).
• Experience with electrical and/or cryogenic testing techniques.
• Proven experience in multi-physics finite-element modelling applied to physical systems.
• 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.
• Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Contract

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Job Description

Are you an applied physicist eager to work at the cutting edge of superconducting magnet technology? You will contribute to the electromagnetic modelling, optimisation, and experimental characterisation of High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) REBCO cables and coils within CERN's High Field Magnet (HFM) programme. Your work will combine numerical modelling with hands-on experimental activities, directly supporting the development of next-generation high-field accelerator magnets.

Your responsibilities

• Perform electromagnetic and multi-physics finite-element modelling of HTS cables and coils.
• Investigate experimentally and theoretically the effects of twist and transposition on HTS conductors.
• Characterise HTS cables and coils at cryogenic temperatures (77 K and 4.2 K).
• Carry out cabling of HTS conductors and winding of HTS coils.
• Optimise HTS cable and coil designs based on modelling and experimental results.
• Analyse, document, and present results in technical reports and meetings.

More information here.

Your profile

• Proven experience in applied superconductivity (HTS or LTS materials, cables, or coils).
• Experience with electrical and/or cryogenic testing techniques.
• Proven experience in multi-physics finite-element modelling applied to physical systems.

Skills

• Experience with multi-physics numerical simulation tools (COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in an international research environment.
• Reliable, well-organised, and proactive approach to experimental and modelling work.
• 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 (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: extended to 08.03.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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-May-2026

This position involves:

• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

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-MSC-HSD-2026-10-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) 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.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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!

More information about us, here: careers.cern

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.cern