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.