Detector Physicist - LHCb VELO

Job Description

This role focuses on the LHCb VELO detector, covering its operation, maintenance, and future upgrades. During the Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) in late 2026, you will help prepare the detector, ensure its safe state, and coordinate maintenance activities. You will support the replacement and testing of VELO modules using a dedicated CERN test setup and assist external institutes with their module validation. In parallel, you will analyse Run 3 data to improve detector performance and simulations for Run 4. You will also contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D activities, working on areas such as RF box design, vacuum systems, module design and cooling in collaboration with CERN experts.

Your responsibilities

• Participate in preparing the VELO detector for LS3, including safe state procedures and intervention planning.
• Support the recommissioning of the CERN slice test setup (cooling, vacuum, slow control, DAQ, safety systems) for module testing.
• Analyse Run 3 VELO data to characterise detector performance, improve the understanding of its behaviour.
• Prepare Run 4 recommissioning.
• Contribute to VELO Upgrade II R&D, focusing on RF, vacuum, module cooling, or module design

More information here.

Your profile

• Commissioning and/or operating a large detector.
• Detector data analysis.
• Commissioning laboratory test setups including LV, HV, vacuum, or other associated systems.
• Experience with one field at the interface between the LHC and the VELO (ex. motion and safety system, impedance, vacuum, beam background, etc...).

Skills

• Expertise in detector physics.
• Proficiency in programming (ideally python and C++, at least one of the two).
• Knowledge of SCADA system (WinCC, or other).
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Particle Physics, Detector 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: 08.04.2026 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-July-2026

This position involves:

• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job reference: EP-LCB-2026-62-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.

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