Radiation Safety Expert (EP-LBO-DO-2025-11-LD)

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.

Introduction

Are you an engineer or physicist with a background in radiation safety and a passion for challenging projects in the field of particle physics experiments? Then seize this opportunity and join the CERN Experimental Physics (EP) Department where you will take a leading role, with specific responsibility for radiation safety, in the operation of the LHCb experiment and the preparation of future enhancements and upgrades.

Functions

LHCb is one of the four large experiments at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC). As a key member of the LHCb Technical Coordination team with specific responsibility for radiation protection (RP) and radiation effects studies, you will:

• provide advice and guidelines on radiological matters to LHCb collaborators, both for detector maintenance activities and for the design of future upgrades of the experiment,
• ensure that simulation studies to characterise the radiation environment in the existing LHCb detector and in different upgrade scenarios are carried out and made available,
• take responsibility for the design, optimisation and implementation of radiation shieldings,
• take responsibility for RP measurements and risk assessments and for the definition of protective measures,
• ensure that activities in the LHCb experimental area are carried out following best practices in matters of radiation safety and in compliance with the applicable CERN rules,
• establish estimates of radioactive waste production and define waste management procedures in compliance with CERN rules and procedures,
• contribute to the day-to-day operation of the experiment and participate in the LHCb infrastructure and safety stand-by duty service,
• participate in the planning and scheduling of activities in the LHCb experimental area and contribute to other activities of the LHCb Technical Coordination team where needed.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of physics or engineering or a related field. Professional certification in the area of radiation protection would be an advantage.

Experience:

You have experience in:

• radiation protection;
• the evaluation and risk assessment of radiological environments and materials;
• the use of radiation characterization software tools (e. g. Actiwiz, Nucleonica) and/or Monte Carlo radiation transport codes (e. g. FLUKA);
• writing technical and scientific documentation.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of Radiation Safety;
• Knowledge of regulatory framework and best practice in radiation protection;
• Simulation of radiation environments;
• Study of radiation protection design.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented. Providing others with timely information. Selecting the appropriate medium and forum to communicate.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: taking steps to expand knowledge in other areas of expertise beyond own field.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English. The willingness to learn French would be an advantage.

Eligibility and closing date:

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 17.09.2025 11:59pm CET.

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

This position involves:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• 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: EP-LBO-DO-2025-11-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist