Negative ions are present in many natural environments, and they are used in many modern applications. Their unique properties make them ideal quantum systems ideal for benchmarking state of the art theories in atomic and molecular physics.

The EU-funded Horizon Europe Doctoral Network (DN) Physics and Applications of Negative ions (PANIONS) aims at substantially advancing our understanding of negative ions beyond the state-of-the-art from atomic to cosmic scales and bridging the gap between fundamental science and applications. Our interdisciplinary approach will be implemented by employing advanced theoretical models and sophisticated experimental methods. Key properties of atomic and molecular anions and their interactions with other particles will be investigated to fully describe negative ions in a variety of environments, from vacuum to plasmas, interstellar clouds and planetary surfaces. Experiments will be conducted at leading European research infrastructures. The host institutes are academic institutions, but each position will include an internship at a relevant industrial company.

PANIONS will train 14 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) across 11 host institutions across Europe in various fields, where negative ions is the common denominator. In this vacancy the remaining position will be announced. Students enrolled in the program will acquire a comprehensive skillset that is relevant to essentially any field of advanced science and technology which will prepare them for future careers in academia and industry.

More information:

PANIONS Website: https://panions.eu

The following DC position is available: 

DC12: Efficient negative ion sources for radioactive species; Host country: Switzerland; Host beneficiary: CERN; PhD-awarding institution: University of Gothenburg; Planned collaborations (secondments): Artemis Analytical Ltd., University of Gothenburg. Contact: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Note that we do not welcome emails from (nor we will reply to) recruiting agencies or commercial entities wishing to advertise our vacancies further.

Diversity is an integral part of PANIONS, as well as the EU's mission. 

All members of PANIONS (including the supervisors making the selection) believe in fostering a research culture where everyone feels encouraged to collaborate, and hold this particularly important when training new scientists. PANIONS  members have been encouraged to recognize their own biases [1] and follow their institution’s equality, diversity and inclusion training as well as unconscious bias training in a critical manner [2].

[1] https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/ 

[2] https://hbr.org/2021/09/unconscious-bias-training-that-works 

Additional Note: The “gender” field gives the option of two entries (M and F) and currently does not technically allow for another gender entry. In case you hold a third gender, please add this info to your CV, and we will disregard the answer given in the gender field.

Note that this information as well as the info on nationality is exclusively used to monitor whether we have a sufficient number of applicants and suitable candidates from underrepresented categories in this field. 

Welcome to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions

As a recent graduate from university or advanced technical institute, you’re no doubt looking for the chance to make your mark. Here it is: we seek lively and inquiring minds with a heightened sense of curiosity to take part in projects of advanced development work, in a broad range of applied sciences and engineering fields.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions train young researchers, building the careers of tomorrow’s leaders in research and industry.

What could be a better boost for your career than becoming an Early Career Stage Researcher in an Innovative Training Networks project within the framework of the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie programs?

The chosen candidate will during the time at CERN work on ion beam developments and techniques for the production and characterization of radioactive anions for the ISOLDE facility (https://isolde.web.cern.ch). The holder will contribute to the development of techniques to efficiently produce negative ions from radioactive species at ISOLDE through work in the offline laboratory, and will also participate in online experiments for their characterization.

During the year at University of Gothenburg the student will join the Laser spectroscopy research  group” (https://www.physics.gu.se/ english / research / laser spectroscopy) led by professor Dag Hanstorp.  Here the holder of the position will take courses, get basic training in laser and ion beam technologies and participate in research on photodetachment of negative ions.

In order to qualify for a place on the project you will need to meet the following requirements:

At the time of recruitment:

• Be in possession of a university degree (MSc) or corresponding qualification allowing you to embark on a doctorate.  Candidates who are currently studying for their MSc may apply if they will finish before June 2026, however, the PANIONS contract cannot begin until the MSc is completed). 
• Be in your first 4 years of your full-time research career (after obtaining your degree).
• Must NOT hold a PhD yet.
• Must not have held a contract with CERN (Graduate, Student, Associate...) at more than 50% presence for more than 12 months in the last three years at the day of recruitment. 
• knowledge in one or more of the following topics: ion beam physics, ions sources, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, laser technology, electronics, programming and data collection.
• Motivation and able to work individually but also ability to collaborate with other researchers in a large research project.
• Candidates of any nationality can apply.
• Proficiency in English

The position offers:

• An employment contract for 36 months according to MSCA conditions, followed by a new contract from Gothenburg University for 12 months to complete the PhD according to the university standards.
• In accordance with the European Commission’s allowances for Doctoral Networks, a training allowance covers training activities, conference attendance, etc.

This is how you can apply:

You will need to submit two identical applications: to CERN via this portal and to the University of Gothenburg portal

The following documents are needed to complete your application:

• A personal letter
• A CV including a list of scientific publications
• A copy of the last (highest) qualification including transcript of records
• Contact details of two academic or professional references (name, position, e-mail, telephone and indicating the relationship with the applicant)

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date and will include a video interview.

Employment contracts are expected start as of 01.08.2026.

Note that your application will be viewed by all the members of the network.

Closing date: 19.04.2026

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend of 5266 Swiss Francs net per month.
• 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.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern