Materials Engineer - Polymers and Composite (TE-MSC-SMT-2026-172-GRAP)

Join CERN's Polymer Laboratory within the Superconducting Magnet Technology section and contribute to the development and qualification of advanced polymer and composite materials.

In this role, you will take part in the design, validation and implementation of innovative materials for high-field superconducting magnets.

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of novel polymer and composite materials for superconducting magnets, with particular emphasis on cryogenic operation, high-voltage insulation and radiation resistance.
• Design and validate manufacturing and processing techniques for superconducting magnet insulation systems.
• Contribute to the laboratory developments by identifying material technologies and processing techniques, as well as establishing new experimental capabilities.

Your profile:

• Experience in material characterisation techniques, such as mechanical, thermal or chemical analyses.
• Experience in composite and/or polymer processing techniques.
• Knowledge of superconducting magnet construction and technologies, or of materials for cryogenic, high-voltage or radiation environments, would be an asset.

Skills:

• Knowledge of materials science.
• Knowledge and application of material testing.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of cryogenics technology is a plus.
• 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 Material, Chemical, Mechanical 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: 30.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-January-2027

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: TE-MSC-SMT-2026-172-GRAP

Field of work: Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

Benchmark job: 301180 - Material Science/Chemical Technical Engineer

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.

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