Thin Film Materials Scientist

About the role

Thin Film Materials Scientist Position at CERN

Position Overview

This role is situated within the Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings (VSC) Group, which manages the complete lifecycle of accelerator vacuum systems. The specific placement is in the Surface Coating and Chemistry (SCC) section, where you will provide specialized expertise in surface engineering. Your primary mission involves the development and implementation of coating systems, thin-film materials, and plasma-based surface treatments, with a strong emphasis on superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavity applications.

The position requires a high level of technical engagement in a demanding laboratory environment. You will be responsible for translating complex scientific requirements into practical manufacturing processes for advanced materials. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to current accelerator technology through hands-on experimentation and rigorous data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Depositing superconductive thin films onto copper substrates for 1.3 GHz, 400 MHz, and 800 MHz cavities using High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS).
• Executing plasma-based surface treatments focused on cleaning and surface passivation or functionalization.
• Conducting in situ plasma diagnostics to support research and development, including the use of mass spectrometry, optical emission spectroscopy, and Langmuir probes.
• Performing comprehensive materials characterization and subsequent data analysis using techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and profilometry.
• Investigating the application of dielectric barriers to suppress thermoelectric currents and stabilize discharge behavior.
• Commissioning and operating a movable cathode sputtering system specifically designed for 1.3 GHz cavities.
• Contributing to the conceptual design and development of new sputtering systems.
• Preparing coating systems within a controlled cleanroom environment.
• Collaborating with VSC group colleagues to ensure alignment between coating output, vacuum requirements, and analytical capabilities.
• Maintaining detailed documentation of experimental methods and results to ensure procedures are safe, clear, and reproducible.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must possess hands-on laboratory experience in plasma-based thin film deposition, with a demonstrated proficiency in HiPIMS technology applied to copper substrates. A practical history working with Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems is essential, along with a solid understanding of material behavior under these conditions.

You must be capable of independently planning and executing experimental work, troubleshooting equipment or process failures, and analyzing characterization data to drive coating development and optimization. The ability to prepare technical procedures and document experimental findings in support of safe laboratory practice is required.

Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced technical environment, demonstrating adaptability to shifting priorities. Clear communication skills are vital for presenting findings in meetings, seminars, and conferences, both within and external to the organization. Prior experience with plasma diagnostic techniques in the context of thin film fabrication is advantageous, as is previous cleanroom experience. Familiarity with Rietveld refinement for interpreting structural data is also considered an asset.

You must be fluent in spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learning the basics of the other language.

Professional and Eligibility Requirements

• Hold citizenship from a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• Possess a background in Materials Science or a closely related field.
• Hold 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.
• Have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract previously.

Position Details

• Job Reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2026-133-GRAP
• Field of Work: Material and Surface Science
• Benchmark: 200080
• Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist
• Contract Duration: 24 months, with a possible extension to a maximum of 36 months.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

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Location: Geneva

• Start Date: Target start date is 01-November-2026.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work arrangement.
• Driving Licence: A valid driving licence is required.
• On-call Duty: Stand-by duty may be required based on organizational needs.

Compensation and Benefits

• A monthly gross salary ranging from 6372 to 7004 Swiss Francs, tax-free, based on qualifications.
• 30 days of paid annual leave plus an additional 2 weeks for annual closure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your children, along with membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
• Monthly family, child, and infant allowances tailored to individual circumstances.
• A relocation package including an installation grant and travel expense coverage, subject to individual situation.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• Access to on-the-job and formal training opportunities, including language classes.

Overview

CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where science and technology converge to push the boundaries of human knowledge. We bring together a diverse community of physicists, engineers, technicians, and administrative professionals who collaborate to make groundbreaking discoveries. Innovation, inclusion, and purpose are at the heart of our mission.

If you are eager to join a vibrant, international community dedicated to exploring the fundamental laws of the universe, CERN is the place to build your career. Your curiosity and expertise will help shape the future of science and technology.