Job Description

Your responsibilities

As part of the CERN EP strategic R&D program, Work Package 1.4 focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding and optimization of solid-state particle detectors for future particle colliders. The activities within WP 1.4 aim to optimize, model, and enhance the radiation tolerance of sensors for high-radiation environments and fast-timing applications. Additionally, the work involves developing state-of-the-art characterization and testing infrastructure for semiconductor sensors in High-Energy Physics (HEP) applications. These efforts are carried out in close collaboration with other EP R&D work packages on solid-state detectors and within the international DRD3 collaboration on Solid State Detectors R&D.

The selected candidate will actively contribute to the R&D activities of WP 1.4 and the Solid State Detectors (SSD) lab team. Their work will involve the development, characterization, and optimization of silicon and 4H-silicon carbide-based sensors (such as LGAD and PIN) for their respective applications.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Characterizing sensors using laser-based Transient Current Techniques (TCT and TPA-TCT), beta source measurements, and analyzing radiation-induced defects through Thermally Stimulated Currents (TSC) and Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS).
• Collaborating closely with the WP 1.4 team, external collaborators, and industrial partners.
• Contributing to the supervision and mentoring of students and providing support to users of the SSD laboratory.

Key projects are:

• Characterization of LGADs produced in the framework of DRD3 projects
• Development and implementation of upgrades to an existing Two-Photon TCT setup
• Commissioning of a high-temperature DLTS/TSC setup for 4H-SiC sensors
• Characterization of Si and SiC devices produced for defect-spectroscopic analyses
• Exploration of novel sensor designs for fast timing/harsh-radiation environments

Your profile

Skills

• Expertise in solid-state detectors (silicon and/or silicon carbide)
• Expertise in handling and building laboratory bench tests
• Knowledge in radiation damage to solid-state detectors and damage modelling
• Proficiency in signal readout and analysis
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and engage in hands-on activities to contribute effectively to our projects

Desirable but not mandatory:

• Knowledge on beam optics for laser bench tests
• Knowledge in LabVIEW and/or control software tools
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

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: 03.04.2025 at 23:59Hrs CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-May-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-DT-DD-2025-42-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At 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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity 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.