Material Scientist - ISOL Targets - 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:

• Develop novel target materials for radioactive ion beam production
• Design, synthesise, process, and optimise advanced materials with tailored microstructures and extraction properties
• Contribute to the commissioning of the new chemical and nano laboratory
• Utilise the section's chemical laboratory and nano-laboratory facilities to develop and produce innovative target materials, including nano-actinide-based systems
• Plan and conduct material characterisation campaigns using appropriate analytical and structural characterisation techniques
• Actively participate in the qualification, operation, testing, and evaluation of the materials
• Analyse experimental performance data and translate findings into improved material designs and production processes
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, engineers, and technicians within CERN and with international partners

Are you eligible?

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

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• Experience: Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field. Required experience in materials development, synthesis, and processing; powder processing technologies and material fabrication techniques; material characterisation methods and interpretation of analytical data
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Materials Development and Engineering, Materials Characterisation and Data Analysis, Nanomaterials, Experimental Research and Problem Solving, Laboratory Operations and Commissioning, Collaboration in Multidisciplinary Teams, Spoken and written English
• Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Must have a University degree. Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Radioactive Beam Production section (SY-STI-RBP).

Position details

Reference

SY-STI-RBP-2026-166-GRAE

Last Verified

23 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Material Scientist - ISOL Targets at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is SY-STI-RBP-2026-166-GRAE. The role falls under the Research domain.

The Radioactive Beam Production section (SY-STI-RBP) is seeking a Material Scientist, Materials Engineer, Chemist, or related specialist to contribute to the development of next-generation target materials for radioactive ion beam production at the [ISOLDE](https://isolde.cern/)facility.

As a graduate in the RBP section, you will work on the development, characterisation, and production of innovative target materials, both in the upcoming chemical and nano laboratory and in the newly established nano-laboratory dedicated to nano-actinide materials. You will contribute directly to advancing radioactive ion beam production, working at the interface of materials science, chemistry, nuclear physics, and atomic physics.

Your responsibilities:

* Develop novel target materials for radioactive ion beam production. * Design, synthesise, process, and optimise advanced materials with tailored microstructures and extraction properties. * Contribute to the commissioning of the new chemical and nano laboratory. * Utilise the section's chemical laboratory and nano-laboratory facilities to develop and produce innovative target materials, including nano-actinide-based systems. * Plan and conduct material characterisation campaigns using appropriate analytical and structural characterisation techniques. * Actively participate in the qualification, operation, testing, and evaluation of the materials. * Analyse experimental performance data and translate findings into improved material designs and production processes. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, engineers, and technicians within CERN and with international partners. * Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations at international conferences and workshops.

Your profile:

Required Qualifications:

* Experience in materials development, synthesis, and processing. * Experience in powder processing technologies and material fabrication techniques. * Experience with material characterisation methods and interpretation of analytical data.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an asset:

* Development and characterisation of nanosized or porous materials. * Operation and use of glovebox systems. * Handling and processing of radioactive materials. * Safe handling and processing of nanometric materials. * Actinide material development and characterisation.

Skills:

* Materials Development and Engineering. * Materials Characterisation and Data Analysis. * Nanomaterials. * Experimental Research and Problem Solving. * Laboratory Operations and Commissioning. * Collaboration in Multidisciplinary Teams. * 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). * By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry (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.

Job closing date: 27.07.2026 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-October-2026

This position involves:

* Work in Radiation Areas.

Job reference: SY-STI-RBP-2026-166-GRAE

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job: 200080 - Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist

Global Benefits

* A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 7 July 2026, 16 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.