Laboratory Technician - Vacuum and Cryogenics Technician (Open)

Main duties and responsabilities:

Maintenance of vacuum pumps (HV-UHV)

• Diagnosis, preventive/corrective maintenance and tuning of turbomolecular, scroll/dry, rotary, ion and NEG/getter vacuum pumps, among others (depending on facilities).
• Incident management and coordination of external repairs, spare parts and consumables.

Design and assembly of HV/UHV experimental systems

• Design, assembly and modification of vacuum lines and chambers (CF/KF/ISO) in collaboration with experimental groups.
• Support in UHV cleaning procedures, leak checking and bakeout when required.
• Procurement of HV/UHV material requested by experimental groups (specifications, quotations, reception and stock control).

Maintenance and monitoring of the liquid helium recovery plant

• Routine operation and performance monitoring of the helium plant.
• Maintenance of auxiliary elements (compressors, pumps, valves, filters, sensors, alarms/interlocks) and troubleshooting.
• Maintenance of the liquid nitrogen storage plant, if applicable.

Supply of cryogenic liquids to laboratories (LHe / LN2)

• Planning and supply to laboratories/equipment.
• Safe handling of dewars, lines and connectors.

Maintenance of compressed gas lines in laboratories

• Inspection and maintenance of gas networks (Ar, N2, He, air, H2, etc.): regulators, valves, flow meters, filters, pressure reducers, purge lines, leak detection, labelling and housekeeping.
• Verification of safety conditions and good practices.

Procurement and supply of cryogenics and compressed gases

• Purchasing management: interaction with suppliers, technical specifications, reception, inventory and distribution to laboratories.
• Stock control in laboratories and supply planning.

Technical support in physics laboratories (desirable / depending on role needs)

• Support in laboratory management activities in experimental physics environments.
• Implementation of safety and hazard management measures focused on physics-related hazards (vacuum, high voltage, laser radiation, etc.).
• Basic support in electrical installations, instrumentation and signal verification when required.

Required profile / Minimum requirements:

• Training in [TO BE COMPLETED: Higher Vocational Training / Bachelor's degree / equivalent qualification] in relevant fields (physics, engineering, industrial maintenance, electronics, instrumentation or related disciplines).
• Proven experience in vacuum systems (HV/UHV): assembly of vacuum systems, leak checking, gauges, valves and pump operation (turbo/dry/rotary, ion/NEG, etc.).
• Proven experience in operational cryogenics (LN2 and LHe) and safe work with cryogens.
• Proven experience with compressed gases and distribution networks: regulators, purges and leak detection.
• Ability to work autonomously, document procedures and coordinate with users and suppliers.

Desirable qualifications / Merit-based criteria

• Experience with helium recovery and/or liquefaction plants, monitoring and interlocks.
• Mechanical design/CAD (SolidWorks or similar) and workshop skills (assembly, light machining, tubing).
• Knowledge of instrumentation/automation (sensors, PLC/SCADA, data acquisition).
• Specific experience with experimental systems such as STM, high-pressure chambers, glove boxes, optical systems in vacuum, etc.
• Knowledge of electrical installations.
• Basic signal analysis skills (oscilloscope, voltmeter).
• Knowledge of maintenance and simple repair of electronic circuits.
• Basic knowledge of optics (optical microscope, spectrometer, laser).
• Experience in safety and hazard management focused on physics-related hazards (vacuum, high voltage, laser radiation, etc.).

Personal competencies

• Technical rigor and attention to detail.
• Proactivity and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks.
• Coordination skills with users, experimental groups and suppliers.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and service.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/05/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The successful candidate will join the technical support area and contribute to the reliable and safe day-to-day operation of experimental physics laboratories, ensuring the availability and proper performance of HV/UHV vacuum systems, cryogenic systems and related infrastructure.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae.
• Motivation letter (optional / recommended, depending on institutional criteria).
• Copy of the required academic qualification (or equivalent documentation).
• Any additional supporting documents demonstrating relevant merits for the position.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: Vacuum and Cryogenics Technician
• Application deadline: 2026/04/06
• Application email: jobs@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• Pre-screening of applications based on profile fit and documented merits.
• Personal and/or technical interview.
• Practical or technical assessment, if deemed necessary to evaluate role-related competencies.
• Reference checks (when applicable).

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

DIPC is committed to equal opportunities, non-discrimination and diversity in its recruitment processes. Applications will be assessed exclusively on the basis of merit, capability and suitability for the position.