Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Conduct conceptual and finite-element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance
• Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications
• Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors
• Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing, and experimental testing campaigns
• Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties
• Team supervision responsibilities

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree in Applied Physics or related field, or PhD in Applied Physics or related field
• Experience: Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, or PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Finite element analysis using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL, Experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups, and execution of measurement techniques, Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation, Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments, Independent work and autonomous management of tasks, Ability to present and document the outcome of studies, Ability to supervise students or junior contributors
• Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Medical clearance required due to exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Applied Physics.

Position details

Reference

EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP

Last Verified

23 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Applied Physicist - Future Superconducting Detector Magnets at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-GRAP. The role falls under the Research domain.

This project focuses on the conceptual designs and conductor studies for large superconducting detector magnets planned for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) at CERN, the proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider.

The work involves designing large superconducting solenoids that generate strong magnetic fields to help identify and measure particles produced in electron-positron collisions.

Responsibilities include analytical and finite-element studies of magnet windings, including thermal behavior, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance.

The role also includes supporting conductor R&D through studies and prototyping of low- and high-temperature superconductors. Additional tasks involve manufacturing, testing and characterising conductor samples for their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Your responsibilities:

* Conduct conceptual and finite-element studies of superconducting detector magnets, including cold mass geometry, thermal behaviour, cryogenic cooling, and mechanical performance. * Support the design and optimisation of superconducting magnet systems for future particle detector applications. * Participate in conductor R&D activities involving both low-temperature and high-temperature superconductors. * Assist with conductor prototyping, demonstrator manufacturing, and experimental testing campaigns. * Characterise conductor samples by evaluating their superconducting, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. * This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

* Background in superconductivity and superconducting technologies. * Experience with superconducting magnet design and superconductor studies. * Knowledge of materials science and characterisation techniques. * Familiarity with experimental physics and cryogenic systems. * Experience with analytical and finite-element analysis methods.

Skills:

* Finite element analysis skills using commercial software such as Ansys and COMSOL. * Capability to conduct experimental superconductivity campaigns, including cryogenic handling, operation of superconducting magnets, preparation of experimental setups, and execution of measurement techniques. * Knowledge of superconducting conductor technologies, including mechanical properties and microstructural/morphological characterisation. * Effective collaboration in multidisciplinary team environments. * Independent work and autonomous management of tasks. * Ability to present and document the outcome of studies * Ability to supervise students or junior contributors. * Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

* You are a national of a [CERN Member or Associate Member State](https://home.cern/about/member-states). * 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.

Job closing date: 23.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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-September-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: EP-CMS-IC-2026-99-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!

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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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 July 2026, 15 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 23 July 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.