The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

The PSI Center for Accelerator Science and Engineering is responsible for the construction, operation, and development of the particle accelerators at PSI. Among the four accelerators, the High Intensity Proton Accelerator HIPA will be upgraded with a new beamline named TATTOOS (Targeted Alpha Tumour Therapy and Other Oncological Solutions) to produce medically relevant radionuclides. The target test lab is a critical experimental platform designed to support and validate target designs before deployment in the TATTOOS production facility. The target consists of a resistively heated 35 mm diameter and 20 cm long tantalum tube, encapsulated in a water-cooled target chamber operating in vacuum. The test lab operates at extreme conditions—target temperatures up to 2400°C and electrical currents up to 4000 A—requiring a robust, reliable data acquisition system capable of monitoring 100+ signal channels during test campaigns lasting up to 5 weeks.

In the PSI Center for Accelerator Science and Engineering we offer a

Master Thesis Placement in Data acquisition system design for the TATTOOS target test lab

Apply online now

Your tasks

You will be part of the team developing a comprehensive data acquisition and monitoring system in LabVIEW that enables operators to monitor test performances, visualize experimental data in real-time, and maintain complete data logs for post-experiment analysis.

Your tasks will include:
  • Integrate 100+ measurement channels (temperature, voltage, electrical current, pressure, flow rate)
  • Design real-time monitoring displays for operators
  • Implement data logging with appropriate sampling rates
  • Software implementation (LabVIEW)
  • Documentation: final report and user manual

Your profile

  • Programming experience (Python, LabVIEW, PLC programming, or similar)
  • Knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems
  • Ability to work in a multidisciplinary/multicultural team environment
  • Fluent in English, German is a plus

We offer

This placement offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research infrastructure while developing expertise in advanced experimental systems applicable to nuclear facilities, industrial processing, and high-temperature experimental systems.
You will gain hands-on experience in:
  • High-temperature process control and instrumentation
  • Integration of complex measurements and control systems
  • Collaboration with mechanical designers, physicists, and technicians
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. 

The duration will be 6 months, preferably starting in early 2026. 

Please note: The master’s thesis does not involve employment at PSI.

For further information, please contact Rémi Martinie, phone +41 56 310 39 09, Dr Sven Jollet, phone +41 56 310 43 06 or Dr Davide Reggiani, phone +41 56 310 30 24.

Please submit your application online for the master thesis project (index no. 8142-25883).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Lara Essig, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland