Applied Physicist

You will contribute to the operation and development of the CLEAR user facility, optimising beam parameters to meet experimental needs. The role includes coordinating with user groups, supporting experiments, and following up on requests. A key focus is on medical research, including Very High Energy Electrons (VHEE) and FLASH radiotherapy. You will coordinate beam-time activities, improve operational tools and procedures, and take part in consolidation and upgrade projects. The role also involves mentoring students and leading training activities at CLEAR and partner schools such as JUAS and ATSOA.

Your responsibilities:

• Operate a linear electron accelerator;
• Communicate and provide support to user groups;
• Carry out beam experiments aimed at the development of novel cancer radiotherapy techniques;
• Collaborate on the development and improvement of software tools for accelerator operation;
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students;
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

Experience:

• Experience in particle accelerator operation, especially on electron beams;
• Knowledge of accelerator physics;
• Familiarity with software development and programming;
• Experience and/or knowledge of medical applications of particle beams is a plus.

Skills:

• Analysis and optimisation of accelerator performance;
• Operation of accelerators;
• Operation and support of experimental facilities;
• Assembly and integration of experiments;
• Knowledge and application of accelerator physics theory;
• Applied medical physics;
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Applied physicist or Engineering (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: 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: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-March-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Exposure to ionising radiation and classified as category A.

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

Job reference: BE-ABP-PEC GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: Applied Physicist

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

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.