CERN

Applied Physics

ComputationalPhysicist

$5–6k Geneva, Switzerland FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for entry candidates.

The Brief

“Computational Physicist at CERN. Skills: Automation of ion beam production, Control algorithms, Machine learning, Python programming, Software engineering. Automate critical steps of the ion beam production chain. Engage with project stakeholders to define and refine requirements”

What You'll Achieve.

Develop the automation layer of TALISMAN; Contribute to a concrete deliverable; Drive solutions toward operational deployment

Industry & Context.

Applied Physics
Problems you'll solve

problem-solving skills

Eligibility Requirements

National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, Applicants without University degree are not eligible, Applicants with a PhD are not eligible

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Applied Physics, Computer Science (or a related field), Highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree, Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before, Initial experience working in an experimental laboratory / test-bench environment (optics, laser systems, or similar), Practical experience with control and/or optimisation algorithms, or machine learning (ML) methods, Programming experience in Python, including scientific and ML libraries, Practical application of software engineering practices, including version control (Git), Solid grounding in physics or engineering, Ability to translate algorithmic concepts into working, maintainable code, Spoken and written English

Nice to Have

Experience applying control algorithms and ML techniques to real-world systems and bringing solutions to operational deployment, Experience interfacing software with laboratory hardware (motors, cameras, sensors, or similar), Experience with beam transport and alignment, Prior exposure to LabVIEW, Familiarity with image processing and analysis techniques, Commitment to learn French

What You'll Do.

Automate critical steps of the ion beam production chain

Engage with project stakeholders to define and refine requirements

Work hands-on in the laboratory with the laser setup

Research and prototype suitable control algorithms

Engineer chosen approaches into automation and optimisation modules

Drive solutions toward operational deployment

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Join a multidisciplinary team of laser physicists, control engineers, and machine learning specialists; Work directly with experimental hardware; Collaborate with laser physicists and controls experts; Work across physics, controls, and software domains

Communication Scope

Excellent communication and collaboration skills; Spoken and written English

Process & Methodology

Define and refine requirements throughout the project lifecycle

Full Job Description

In this role, you will join a multidisciplinary team of laser physicists, control engineers, and machine learning specialists to develop the automation layer of TALISMAN, a project aimed at automating laser ionization for the production of medically relevant radionuclides. The work combines hands-on laboratory activities with the design, prototyping, and implementation of control algorithms and software. At the intersection of applied physics, control systems, and computing, you will work directly with experimental hardware while applying modern algorithmic methods, contributing to a concrete deliverable and developing technical and collaborative skills in a unique scientific environment. Your responsibilities: * Automate critical steps of the ion beam production chain, such as laser preparation, beam-path alignment, ion beam optimisation, and continuous monitoring, building on existing control interfaces. * Engage with project stakeholders to define and refine requirements throughout the project lifecycle. * Work hands-on in the laboratory with the laser setup alongside laser physicists and controls experts. * Research and prototype suitable control algorithms, drawing from classical control, optimal control, and machine learning where necessary. * Engineer the chosen approaches into automation and optimisation modules that integrate with existing device control software, following sound software engineering practices. * Drive solutions toward operational deployment, including validation and documentation. Your profile: Essential: * Initial experience working in an experimental laboratory / test-bench environment (optics, laser systems, or similar). * Practical experience with control and/or optimisation algorithms, or machine learning (ML) methods. * Programming experience in Python, including scientific and ML libraries. * Practical application of software engineering practices, including version control (Git). Advantageous: * Experience applying control algorith

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