CERN Laser Scientist ISOLDE RILIS (SY-STI-LPS-2026-159-GRAP)

CERN is seeking a Laser Scientist to join the ISOLDE RILIS team. The role supports the Resonance Ionisation Laser Ion Source, the main ion source for the ISOLDE facility, which is being rebuilt to resume beam delivery to a global community of more than a thousand researchers by summer 2028. The day‑to‑day work involves installing the laser hardware and the associated control software so the system can run continuously with automated beam stabilisation and monitoring. You will test the new pump lasers, devise fresh resonance ionisation schemes aimed at converting RILIS into a fully solid‑state laboratory, and produce detailed operational specifications. Participation in the set‑up and routine operation of the ion source, including on‑call duties, is also required. Candidates must have proven experience in installing, commissioning and operating sophisticated laser installations, together with a solid background in experimental photonics, laser physics or optical instrumentation. Experience in laboratory automation, control‑system engineering and scientific software development is essential, as is the ability to produce technical documentation and operating procedures. Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, hold either a Master's degree with two to six years of post‑graduate experience or a PhD with up to three years of post‑graduate experience, and must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Fluency in spoken and written English is required, with a commitment to learn French. Additional assets include prior work with ion sources, accelerator facilities or large‑scale scientific infrastructures, as well as familiarity with vacuum systems, instrumentation, safety systems or machine operation. Experience in high‑availability research environments, knowledge of resonance ionisation spectroscopy, CAD modelling software, and basic programming concepts are considered advantageous. The position is fully onsite, involves regular standby duty (including nights, Sundays and holidays), work in radiation areas, and requires medical clearance due to occupational health risks. The contract runs for 24 months, extendable to 36 months, with a 40‑hour week, a competitive Swiss‑franc stipend, generous leave, health insurance, pension, relocation support and on‑the‑job training, including language classes. What the role asks for: - Experience installing, commissioning, operating complex laser systems - Background in experimental photonics, laser physics or optical instrumentation - Experience with laboratory automation and control systems - Experience developing scientific software - Experience preparing technical documentation and procedures - CERN Member or Associate Member State nationality - Master's degree + 2‑6 years post‑grad experience or PhD + ≤3 years - No prior CERN fellow or graduate contract - Fluent English, willing to learn French - Experience with ion sources or accelerator facilities - Experience with vacuum, instrumentation, safety or machine operation - Familiarity with high‑availability research facilities - Knowledge of resonance ionisation spectroscopy - Knowledge of CAD modelling software - Fundamentals of programming languages and software architecture