Computational Physicist

Computational Physicist

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Geneva, Switzerland

What you'll do

In this role, you will join a multidisciplinary team of laser physicists, control engineers, and machine learning specialists to develop the automation layer of TALISMAN, a project aimed at automating laser ionization for the production of medically relevant radionuclides.

The work combines hands-on laboratory activities with the design, prototyping, and implementation of control algorithms and software.

At the intersection of applied physics, control systems, and computing, you will work directly with experimental hardware while applying modern algorithmic methods, contributing to a concrete deliverable and developing technical and collaborative skills in a unique scientific environment.

Your responsibilities

• Automate critical steps of the ion beam production chain, such as laser preparation, beam-path alignment, ion beam optimisation, and continuous monitoring, building on existing control interfaces.
• Engage with project stakeholders to define and refine requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work hands-on in the laboratory with the laser setup alongside laser physicists and controls experts.
• Research and prototype suitable control algorithms, drawing from classical control, optimal control, and machine learning where necessary.
• Engineer the chosen approaches into automation and optimisation modules that integrate with existing device control software, following sound software engineering practices.
• Drive solutions toward operational deployment, including validation and documentation.

Your profile

• Initial experience working in an experimental laboratory/test-bench environment (optics, laser systems, or similar).
• Practical experience with control and/or optimisation algorithms, or machine learning (ML) methods.
• Programming experience in Python, including scientific and ML libraries.
• Practical application of software engineering practices, including version control (Git).
• Experience applying control algorithms and ML techniques to real-world systems and bringing solutions to operational deployment.
• Experience interfacing software with laboratory hardware (motors, cameras, sensors, or similar).
• Experience with beam transport and alignment.
• Prior exposure to LabVIEW.
• Your studies focused on Applied Physics, Computer Science.

Your skills

• Solid grounding in physics or engineering.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to translate algorithmic concepts into working, maintainable code.
• Familiarity with image processing and analysis techniques.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working across physics, controls, and software domains.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.