Job Description

We are looking for a talented Analog/Custom IC Design Engineer to develop state-of-the-art communication ASICs and high-speed CMOS circuits for cutting-edge particle physics detectors. Join a world-class research environment at the forefront of radiation-tolerant microelectronics for future High Energy Physics experiments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define architectures for analog and mixed-signal circuits enabling high-speed silicon photonics systems.
• Design and verify CMOS circuit blocks such as high-speed differential drivers/receivers, transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) and CDR and PLL circuits.
• Perform lab testing, characterization, and validation of circuits.
• Carry out radiation qualification (single-event effect, total ionizing dose) of manufactured devices.

Your profile

Skills:

• Design, simulation and layout of CMOS integrated circuits using Cadence Virtuoso.
• Working knowledge of physical verification flows (DRC, LVS, PEX) using Siemens Calibre or Cadence PVS.
• Experience with IR-drop and EM verification using Cadence Voltus-Fi.
• Knowledge of at least one of the following: Optical receiver circuits, high data rate drivers (wireline, laser and/or external modulators), PLL & CDR design, ADC & DAC design, control systems.
• Experience with electromagnetics (EM) simulation tools (Ansys HFSS, Simulia CST, etc).
• Working knowledge of at least one programming, scripting, or data analysis language (e.g., Python, Bash, MATLAB).
• Laboratory characterization of integrated circuits.
• Passionate about CMOS circuit design and technology and eager to learn about our particular application.
• You enjoy working in a small team building practical solutions in close collaboration with users and external partners.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Electronics Engineering (or a related field) and have either:
• a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
• or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 03.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-September-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.

Job reference: EP-ESE-ME-2025-93-GRAP

Field of work: Electrical or Electronics Engineering

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 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: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.