Detector Physicist (EP-DT-GD-2026-95-GRAP)

Responsibilities

• Support the development and maintenance of the Garfield++ modelling and simulation framework for gaseous detectors, including the integration of novel technological approaches.
• Maintain active liaison and collaboration with modelling and simulation developers working on detector technologies relevant to CERN.
• Coordinate community efforts within the DRD1 Collaboration framework towards common objectives relevant to CERN detector R&D activities.
• Support a deeper understanding of detector mechanisms and providing essential guidance for detector optimisation and performance improvement.
• Upgrade simulation tools to address current challenges, new technological solutions, and evolving requirements.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
• Your profile
• Experience with gaseous particle detectors (e.g. MPGDs, RPCs, TPCs, drift chambers).
• Experience in detector modelling and simulation.
• Experience with detector physics processes such as electron transport, gas amplification, and signal induction.
• Experience in software development and scientific computing.
• Experience in gas-mixture studies and detector-performance optimisation.
• Experience with data analysis and experimental validation.
• Experience working in collaborative detector R&D environments.

Requirements

• Strong modelling and simulation skills.
• Scientific programming and data-analysis skills.
• Ability to evaluate and optimise detector performance.
• Research, problem-solving, and innovation skills.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.
• Eligibility criteria:
• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics, Engineering (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: 25.06.2026 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-August-2026
• This position involves:
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Job reference: EP-DT-GD-2026-95-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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Benefits

Additional Information

Gaseous particle detectors are essential in particle physics and radiation detection, encompassing technologies such as Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), straw and drift tubes, Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), drift chambers, and Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). These detectors - all under consideration for future experiments - differ in their underlying detector physics, readout, and specifications, yet all benefit from predictive modelling and simulation to guide design, gas choice, performance optimisation, and operation. The EP-RD group has consolidated extensive expertise in this field, establishing frameworks that link microscopic processes - including electron transport, gas amplification and signal induction - with macroscopic detector response. Building on this foundation, the fellowship will focus on two complementary objectives: development/support of modelling and simulation tools, and gas mixture optimisation and identification.

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