Job Description

You will contribute to the design and development of laser and optical systems for the Advanced Wakefield Accelerator Experiment (AWAKE) at CERN, with a strong focus on laser, opto-mechanical and optical control design and integration.

The systems are used for ionizing efficiently 10 m long Rb plasma columns, and for optically synchronizing multiple laser and charge particle beams with femtosecond accuracy. The tasks include carrying out optical simulations and tolerancing studies, designing and prototyping and commissioning opto-mechanical and fiber systems, construct and operate ultrafast laser and optical systems and associated control devices, ensuring system reliability under tight operational constraints.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues in the lasers and photocathodes section in optics and lasers research, intelligent control systems to integration of sensors and actuators, as well as supporting system installation and commissioning, and documenting the work for future AWAKE operation and maintenance.

Your responsibilities:

• Optical system design for high-precision measurement / imaging / alignment systems. This includes both optical layout, component selection, and mechanical integration.
• Perform research studies (optical, mechanical, thermal, vibrational) to ensure system performance under realistic operational conditions.
• Carry out optical simulations (e.g. ray tracing, wave-optics, stray light) using relevant software tools.
• Design, prototype, assemble and test opto-mechanical assemblies, mounts with actuators, alignment devices, etc.
• Ensure optical design supports alignment, stability, environmental robustness (e.g. tolerance to temperature changes, vibrations, possibly radiation).
• Work closely with control systems engineers to integrate actuators / sensors, feedback systems, alignment control, etc. Optional involvement in firmware / software / system calibration is a plus.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (optics, mechanical, electronics / controls) to deliver reliable, accurate systems.
• Document design, test plans and reports; assist in installation, verification, and maintenance of optical systems.

Your profile:

• Degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
• Hands-on experience operating ultrafast optical systems (fs/ps regime).
• Experience in the design and simulation of ultrafast laser and optical systems.
• Proven ability to integrate optical subsystems into larger experimental setups.
• Proficient with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V).
• Experience with control and vacuum systems, sensors, and feedback loops (asset).

Skills:

• Proficient in laser system performance analysis and modeling.
• Experience designing and aligning complex optical systems.
• Desirable hands-on experience with multi-terawatt or high-energy laser systems.
• Familiarity with ultrafast lasers (fs/ps), nonlinear optics, and frequency conversion.
• Motivated and proactive problem-solver.
• Able to work independently on technically challenging tasks.
• Effective collaborator in a multidisciplinary, international team environment.
• 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 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: 11.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: SY-STI-LP-2025-264-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 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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