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

The Control Systems section at PSI develops and maintains core software tools, APIs, and building blocks that enable reliable and robust control systems for some of the world’s most advanced large-scale research facilities. Our control systems are based on the open-platform toolkit EPICS, addressing the demanding challenges of data acquisition and device control in modern accelerator and beamline environments. For the group Integration & Support – Photon Science, we are looking for a

Control System Specialist

Apply online now

Your tasks

In this role, you will directly contribute to the successful operation and continuous development of cutting-edge photon science facilities by: 
  • Integrating diverse hardware and software components of SwissFEL and SLS beamlines into the EPICS control system and ensuring their reliable operation and maintenance 
  • Providing first-level control system support to selected groups within the Center for Photon Science 
  • Planning, coordinating, and executing control system integration activities with various stakeholders (e.g., beamline scientists, expert groups, project managers, and colleagues within the Control Systems Section) 
  • Contributing to beamline-related software development (primarily using Python and Bash scripting)
  • Advising stakeholders on control system concepts, solutions, and best practices 
  • Creating and maintaining high-quality documentation, including requirements specifications, test plans, procedures, and user and developer documentation

Your profile

You enjoy working at the intersection of software, hardware, and science, and you bring the following qualifications: 
  • A degree in software engineering, computer science, natural sciences, or an equivalent field 
  • At least 2 years of experience in computing and control systems, ideally in environments such as large-scale research facilities 
  • Solid understanding of motion control principles 
  • Practical experience in software development 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines 
  • A collaborative, proactive mindset with a strong user-oriented focus 
  • Very good command of spoken and written English; knowledge of German is an asset

We offer

Our institution is built on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training, as well as opportunities for personal development and our strong vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally balance work with family life or other personal interests, we support you with modern employment conditions and on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Dr. Tine Celcer at +41 56 310 46 29.

Please submit your application online for the position as Control System Specialist (Index No. 8215‑26144).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Mikela Szolansky, 5232 Villigen PSI, Schweiz