Applied Physicist/Engineer - ATLAS ITk at CERN
CERN · Tills vidare · Deadline 2026-11-08
CERN is recruiting an **Applied Physicist/Engineer** on a 48-month contract to join the ATLAS Tracker section. Working closely with the Detector Technologies Group, the role focuses on the construction and integration of the ATLAS ITk Pixel System and its combined validation with the ITk Strip Detector. Key responsibilities include reception testing of silicon pixel elements, verifying integrated structures and services in the surface integration facility, deploying software and hardware for testing and safety validation, and drafting post-installation testing procedures. The position involves **hands-on cleanroom work**, interventions in underground installations, working in radiation areas, and potential shifts during nights, Sundays, or official holidays. Applicants must hold a **master's degree or equivalent relevant experience** in applied physics, engineering, or a related field. Essential qualifications include proven experience constructing, integrating, testing, operating, and performing data analysis on silicon pixel detector systems for high energy physics experiments. Candidates also need experience developing DAQ/online software or detector control systems, alongside demonstrated collaboration in multidisciplinary, international teams. A valid driving licence is required. Candidates must have spoken and written English, accompanied by a commitment to learn French. Experience interpreting mechanical CAD designs, operating cooling plants, or assembling sensitive cleanroom equipment is advantageous.
What you'll do:
The CERN ATLAS Team plays a major role in the construction of the future silicon ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk). In particular, the final integration of the ITk detector prior to installation in the experiment is a crucial step to validate the full functionality.
As an applied physicist or engineer in the CERN-ATL Team, you will join the Tracker section (EP-ATL-TRK) and work closely with personnel from the Detector Technologies Group (EP-DT) on the construction and integration of the ATLAS ITk Pixel System and its integration into the ATLAS ITk.
Your responsibilities:
- Reception testing of ITk Silicon Pixel Detector elements and testing of multi-module Pixel structures to be integrated into the ITk Pixel Outer Barrel.
- Testing and verification of integrated ITk Pixel Detector structures and services as well as combined testing with the ITk Strip Detector in the surface integration facility (SR1) at CERN.
- Deploy and improve software and hardware elements for integration testing and service validation (online, detector control, detector safety) for the Pixel Detector and the combined ITk.
- Document procedures and results for ITk integration testing and service validation and develop testing procedures for the ITk Detector after installation.
- Participate hands-on in the ITk Detector integration work in the surface cleanroom as well as the preparation of equipment for the different testing stages.
Your profile:
- Proven experience in the construction and integration of silicon pixel detectors for high energy physics experiments.
- Proven experience in the testing and data analysis of silicon detector systems.
- Proven experience in silicon detector operation and quality control including the development, installation and commissioning of laboratory infrastructure.
- Experience in the development of DAQ/online software or detector control systems for silicon detector testing and operation.
- Demonstrated experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team and international collaboration, including physicists, engineers and technicians involved in work on detector construction.
- Experience on interpreting CAD designs of mechanics components or cooling plant operation is advantageous.
- Experience with the assembly of sensitive equipment in a clean room environment is advantageous.
- Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physicist or Engineering or a related field.
Your skills:
- Testing and validation of detector, accelerator and beam line components.
- Assembly and integration of detectors.
- Construction, test and installation of electromechanical equipment and systems.
- Development of application software.
- Assembly and integration of infrastructure for detectors or experimental facilities.
- Delivers high quality work on time and fulfils expectations.
- Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships.
- Works well autonomously; takes on activities and tasks without prompting.
- Expresses opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeps to the point.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Employment conditions:
A valid driving licence.
Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Contract duration (in months): 48
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.