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.