Applied Scientist in Materials Engineering (EN-MME-MM-2026-83-GRAP)

As an Experienced Project Graduate, you will contribute to quality control and strategic materials development at CERN.

In collaboration with international partners and industry, you will investigate microstructure-property relationships, failure mechanisms, and the impact of processing conditions on the performance of materials and components for next-generation high-field accelerator magnets and ultra-high vacuum systems, among others.

In particular, for the High-Field Magnet (HFM), you will carry out microscopy examination of Nb3Sn wire samples. Using state-of-the-art microscopy, microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, you will characterise materials, support design optimisation, and help guide research directions within the Organization and international collaborative programs.

Your responsibilities:

• Working with colleagues to design and conduct interdisciplinary studies in the field of materials science and engineering.
• Perform advanced materials characterisation using electron microscopy, microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques.
• Investigate phase transformations, diffusion mechanisms, and microstructural evolution during manufacturing and processing.
• Assess production and fabrication techniques related to materials, based on international standards or state-of-the-art practices.
• Carry out quantitative image and data analysis to extract relevant microstructural parameters to correlate them to performance in demanding environments.
• Collaborate with internal teams, manufacturers, and research institutes to interpret results and guide development.
• Summarise findings and present results in technical meetings and reports.

Your profile:

• Experience in electron microscopy and materials characterisation.
• Strong background in materials science, including phase equilibria and microstructure-property relationships.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.

Would be considered as an asset:

• Experience with superconducting materials and/or vacuum-compatible materials.
• Knowledge of fabrication techniques (including but not limited to welding, soldering, brasing, forming).
• Experience in surface analysis, coatings, or interface characterisation.

Skills:

• Hands-on experience with electron microscopy techniques (SEM + EDX).
• Experience with EBSD, FIB, STEM, XRD (desirable).
• Data analysis and scripting (e.g. Python).
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Clear communication and presentation skills.
• Good organisational skills to manage experimental campaigns.
• Electrical and magnetic test experience would be an advantage.
• 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 Materials Science/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: 20.05.2026 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-September-2026

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.

Job reference: EN-MME-MM-2026-83-GRAP

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job: 200080 - Material Science/Chemical Engineer/Chemist

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.

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