At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

We are working to bring Silicon Photonics technology to the optical data read-out and control systems of the CERN Particle Physics experiments.

You will be part of a small and dynamic team working in the Electronic Systems for Experiments group. We are working on understanding the tolerance of Silicon Photonics devices and systems to the harsh environment found inside particle physics experiments.  Our ultimate goal is to leverage this technology to create the highest performance optical data transmission systems for this environment.

You will:

• Contribute by designing and laying-out Silicon Photonics test chips that will contain device building blocks as well as full WDM systems;
• Combine your existing knowledge of Silicon Photonics devices and systems with your design and layout skills and what you will learn about our specific requirements in order to create exciting new applications of this technology. 
• Propose and implement design solutions to meet requirements. You will evaluate those design solutions with physics-based simulations and detailed comparisons with test data as well as conduct optical experiments to support design efforts. You will layout those designs ready for fabrication and participate in their evaluation once fabricated.

Eligibility criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State;
• You have a Master’s degree in Physics, Photonics, Electronic Engineering or other related field;
• You have no more than 4 years’ experience after completing your diploma.

Essential skills and experience

• Simulation and design of silicon photonics devices such as modulators, photodiodes, fibre couplers, arrayed waveguide gratings,  multiplexers, and demultiplexers;
• Layout of devices and systems with experience of foundry-supplied design kits;
• Laboratory characterisation of silicon photonics devices and circuits and/or other opto-electronic devices;
• Passionate about Silicon Photonics technology and eager to learn about our particular application in order to successfully combine the two;
• You enjoy working in a small team building practical solutions in close collaboration with users and external partners.

Desired skills and experience

Professional experience in one or more of the following would be an asset:

• Working with industry in optical/electronic systems in the tele/datacom and/or aerospace industries;
• High-frequency design,  modelling, and characterisation (e.g. using VNA);
• High frequency packaging and fibre attachment of silicon photonics devices.

Please note that CERN Staff members are not eligible to apply for a Fellowship.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.  In return, CERN will provide you with:

• An employment contract for between 6 months (minimum) up to 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months.
• A stipend ranging from 5,305 to 6,586 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva.
• 2.5 days of paid leave per month.

Your future Life @CERN

Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at CERN: https://careers.cern/benefits and https://careers.cern/our-people

This is how you can apply:

Please provide the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification;

We recommend to add two recent letters of recommendation, giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

All applications should reach us no later than 27 January 2022.