Source and Linac Physicist - 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:

• Coordinate and participate in Linac3 ion source assembly and maintenance activities during technical stops and shutdowns
• Commission and operate the source, tuning it to optimise performance and stability for Linac3 and downstream injectors
• Design and implement technical solutions to test and validate production of different ion species
• Participate in machine expert team and on-call service rotation for 24/7 injector reliable operation
• Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team including physicists, engineers, technicians and students
• Conduct advanced beam measurements and data analysis to characterise Linac3 performance
• Contribute to design studies and execution of upgrades for CERN ion injector complex
• Contribute to beam dynamics design, simulations and commissioning for hadron linacs and sources

Are you eligible?

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

• Education: Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in Applied Physics, Engineering or a related field
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in design and/or operation of particle sources for accelerators or related scientific field; hands-on experience with particle sources or similar scientific equipment including use of different materials for equipment design and handling in vacuum; hands-on experience with high-voltage equipment or microwave generators; experience with multi-particle simulation codes for s…
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Simulation, design and development of beam sources, Operation of accelerators, Analysis and optimisation of accelerator performance, Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems, Organisation, planning and control, Demonstrating Accountability, Solving Problems, Communicating Effectively, Leading with Strength and Credibility
• Eligibility: Applicants from Member States and Associate Member States welcome; valid driving licence required; medical clearance required before contract offer confirmed; work in radiation areas, interventions in underground installations, exposure to lead, and exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 5 years, with possibility to extend up to 8 years and eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Hybrid.

Hiring unit: Beam department (BE), Accelerator and Beam Physics group (ABP), Hadron Sources and Linacs section (HSL).

Position details

Reference

BE-ABP-HSL-2026-133-LD

Last Verified

16 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Source and Linac Physicist at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is BE-ABP-HSL-2026-133-LD. The role falls under the Engineering domain.

At [CERN](http://home.cern/), the European Organization 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.

Introduction

Within the Beam department (BE) and the Accelerator and Beam Physics group (ABP), join the Hadron Sources and Linacs section (HSL) at CERN as a lead applied physicist overseeing the Linac3 ion source, a role bringing together multiple physics domains coupled with beam dynamics, including high voltages, high magnetic fields, plasma heating with microwaves, the delivery of gases and vapours into vacuum systems as well as x-ray generation and shielding. You will ensure the high-performance delivery of heavy ion beams, driving both daily operations and long-term technical development of the system providing particle beams for one of the world's most unique accelerator complexes, serving fixed-target users and the LHC.

Functions

* Coordinate and participate in the Linac3 ion source assembly and maintenance activities during technical stops and shutdowns to ensure preparation for high-availability operation. * As the expert in-charge, commission and operate the source, tuning it precisely to optimise performance and stability for Linac3 and the downstream injectors, ensuring compliance with beam quality specifications for CERN ion runs and various tests. * Design and implement technical solutions to test and validate the production of different ion species requested for future physics programmes. * Be part of the machine expert team, contributing to broader beam operations and participating in the on-call service rotation to ensure 24/7 injector reliable operation. * Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team including physicists, engineers, technicians and students. * Conduct advanced beam measurements and data analysis to characterise Linac3 performance and identify areas for optimisation. * Contribute to the design studies and execution of upgrades for the CERN ion injector complex, focusing on source technology and low energy beam transport (LEBT). * Contribute to other BE-ABP-HSL activities through beam dynamics design, simulations and commissioning for present and future hadron linacs and sources under the section’s responsibility.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

* Demonstrated experience of work in the design and/or operation of particle sources for accelerators or in a related scientific field. * Hands-on experience with particle sources or other similar scientific equipment, including the use of different materials for equipment design and handling for equipment use in vacuum. * Hands-on experience with high-voltage equipment or microwave generators. * Experience with multi-particle simulation codes for sources and linacs. Experience with one or more the following codes would be an asset: IBSIMU, SIMION, TRAVEL, TRACEWIN, PARMTEQ, RF-TRACK. * Experience of experimental techniques and analysis of beam measurements data.

Technical competencies:

* Simulation, design and development of beam sources. * Operation of accelerators. * Analysis and optimisation of accelerator performance. * Configuration and implementation of industrial data-acquisition, monitoring and control systems. * Organisation, planning and control.

Behavioural competencies:

* Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions. * Solving Problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components. * Communicating Effectively: delivering presentations in a structured and clear way; adjusting style and content to the audience; responding calmly and confidently to questions. * Leading with Strength and Credibility: making timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; dealing with difficulties in a timely manner.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all [Member States and Associate Member States](https://home.cern/about/member-states).

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 16.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

* Work in Radiation Areas. * Interventions in underground installations. * A valid driving licence. * Exposure to lead. * 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 grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-HSL-2026-133-LD

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

* A [competitive salary](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience. * 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. * Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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 19 June 2026, 33 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 16 July 2026 (6 days ago).

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 Engineering field browse our Engineering 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.