Quality Control Readout Scientist (EP-ATL-TRK-2026-147-GRAP)

The ATLAS Experiment at CERN is preparing for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) by upgrading its Inner Tracker (ITk). A key component of this upgrade is the construction of a new hybrid pixel detector, comprising more than 8,000 silicon pixel modules.

As part of the CERN ATLAS team, you will contribute to the operation, development, and optimisation of highly automated quality control (QC) systems used during detector production. Your work will focus on detector readout, data handling, and test automation, helping to ensure the reliable testing and validation of detector components.

Your responsibilities:

• Commission and operate complex data acquisition systems for the testing of single and multiple loaded local supports.
• Develop and validate software and firmware for detector readout and high-speed data transmission within QC applications.
• Operate, maintain and optimise QC test setups, including software for test automation, data analysis and database management.
• Contribute to quality control testing of multi-module structures, verifying their electrical and thermal performance.
• Monitor component performance, document test results, and report production status to the collaboration.

Your profile:

• Demonstrated experience with detector readout systems in high-energy physics.
• Experience in FPGA firmware development would be an asset.
• Hands-on experience in handling silicon detector modules and the required laboratory equipment.
• Experience with quality control testing of silicon detectors and the analysis of the acquired data.
• Experience with Python and software development tools (e.g. GitLab).
• Familiarity with databases used in detector production or similar environments would be an asset.

Skills:

• Ability to identify and solve problems in complex detector readout systems.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver results under tight deadlines in a production environment.
• Ability to perform quality control measurements and critically evaluate results, with a strong focus on accuracy and reproducibility.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams within an international collaboration.
• 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, Experimental Physics, Electronics 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: 29.09.2026 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-November-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Residence in the immediate vicinity of the Organization's installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-ATL-TRK-2026-147-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month 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!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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!

More information about us, here:careers.cern