Job Description

Are you passionate about radiofrequency technology and electromagnetic simulations?

Join the team following the interaction of the charged particle beams with their surroundings and improve accelerator components such as cavities, kickers, beam instrumentation equipment and many more.

The performance of the CERN accelerators critically depends on beam coupling impedance, which describes the frequency-dependent induced voltage for a given beam current.

The Proton Synchrotron (PS) and the Super Proton Synchrotron accelerator (SPS) are important stages in the injector chain for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Electromagnetic simulation models of all relevant components have been developed for these accelerators.

You will contribute to impedance studies by carrying out electromagnetic simulations in CST or similar simulation tools to validate the design of new accelerator components and propose modifications to existing ones. The simulations are complemented by challenging RF measurements.

Your responsibilities:

• Build models for electromagnetic simulations of accelerator components.
• Study the interaction with the beam and actively propose improvements to reduce it.
• Perform RF measurements to validate the simulations.
• Collaborate closely with beam physicists and the teams in charge of accelerator components

Your profile:

• Proven experience with electromagnetic theory and EM-simulation tools in the RF domain such as CST or HFSS.

Skills:

• Knowledge in RF simulations, measurement techniques and methods.
• Understanding of beam coupling impedance and knowledge of collective effects in accelerators.
• Knowledge in accelerator physics would be an asset.
• 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 RF-Engineering, 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: 27.05.2026 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:

• 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-RF-BR-2026-82-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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Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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