Radiation Material Engineer (SY-STI-TCD-2025-86-GRAP)

Your responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Radiation Material Engineer and Physicist specialising in material testing under gamma, proton and mixed-field conditions.

You will lead the radiation testing coordination of components used in beam intercepting devices and target areas, analyse and interpret test results, and publish findings in high-impact journals (an example of our work can be read here). Your role will also include active participation in the conceptual design of future high-intensity mixed field facilities at HI-ECN3/BDF and the operation of NEAR at n_TOF, as well as collaboration with external research institutes. You will also support CERN groups in developing radiation-resistant products suitable for lubrication and sealing and participate in the RaDIATE Collaboration activities.

Furthermore, you will contribute to advancing system-level characterisation for beam intercepting devices and other equipment exposed to high radiation. This work will have a positive impact across various projects, particularly for the Future Circular Collider, Muon Collider and HI-ECN3, by providing critical data and information.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and executing testing protocols for materials under gamma and mixed-field conditions;
• Coordinating and overseeing radiation testing campaigns ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards;
• Analysing experimental data using advanced statistical and simulation tools;
• Interpreting the impact of radiation on material physical and thermo-mechanical properties as well as their performance in beam intercepting devices, and target areas;
• Preparing detailed technical reports, research publications, and presentations that communicate testing methodologies, results, and implications;
• Contributing to the conceptual design and feasibility studies for upcoming high-intensity mixed field facilities at HI-ECN3/BDF, and the operation of the i-NEAR infrastructure at n_TOF;
• Working collaboratively with internal multidisciplinary teams and external research institutes to drive innovative solutions in lubrication and radiation materials science;
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with academic, governmental, and industrial partners to further the advancement of material testing methodologies and facility design;
• Staying up-to-date with developments in radiation physics, material science, and testing methodologies;
• Proposing improvements to testing procedures, safety protocols, and experimental designs;
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile

Skills:

• Proven experience in material testing under gamma and mixed-field conditions;
• Demonstrated expertise in coordinating material radiation testing campaigns and analysing experimental data;
• Strong background in experimental design, data interpretation, and utilisation of simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent);
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments;
• A strong track record of producing high-impact technical reports and peer-reviewed publications;
• An academic background in Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, or a closely related field;
• Candidates with a PhD in the above-mentioned fields would be preferred;
• 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 Material and Surface Science (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: 17.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-December-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Exposure to lead.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: SY-STI-TCD-2025-86-GRAP

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

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.