1 Marie Curie PhD position in Physics Applications of Negative Ions (PANIONS)
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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.
Qualifications
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. If you are currently completing your MSc, you may apply, but the PANIONS contract cannot start 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
Additional Information
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.
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