Material Scientist – ISOL Targets

About the role

The Radioactive Beam Production (RBP) section at CERN is looking for a Material Scientist, Materials Engineer, Chemist or related specialist to develop next‑generation target materials for the ISOLDE facility. You will work in newly created chemical and nano‑laboratories, contributing to the production of innovative target systems for radioactive ion beams.

Key responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, process and optimise advanced target materials with tailored microstructures.
• Develop and qualify nano‑actinide‑based target systems.
• Plan and execute material characterisation campaigns using analytical and structural techniques.
• Participate in commissioning of the new laboratories and in the testing and evaluation of materials.
• Analyse performance data and translate findings into improved designs and production processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of physicists, chemists, engineers and technicians within CERN and with international partners.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports and conference presentations.

Required profile

• Maximum two years of professional experience after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemistry or a related field.
• National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• Fluent in spoken and written English; willingness to learn French.

Required skills

• Materials synthesis and processing.
• Powder processing technologies.
• Material fabrication techniques.
• Material characterisation methods and data interpretation.
• Experience with nanomaterials or porous materials (asset).
• Glovebox operation (asset).
• Handling of radioactive or nanometric materials (asset).