Scientific Associateship (Experimental Physics)
Participate in CERN’s scientific programmes as an established and experienced scientist.
Overview
Participate in CERN’s scientific programmes as an established and experienced scientist.
You have:
- You are an established and experienced scientist with a strong academic and professional background.
- You are actively involved in scientific research and/or advanced technical activities in your field.
- You have an existing professional relationship with CERN or its scientific programmes.
- You are interested in contributing to large-scale international scientific activities.
- You have good knowledge of English.
Contract
This is a Mid-Senior Level contract. More about Mid-Senior Level contracts.
Company Description
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Job Description
What you'll do
You participate in CERN’s scientific programmes as an established and experienced scientist with an existing professional relationship with the Organization. You make use of CERN’s research facilities to contribute to activities covering experimental and theoretical particle physics, as well as related fields such as applied physics, electronics, computing and engineering, within the framework of CERN’s role as a European and global scientific centre.
Your responsibilities
- You carry out scientific activities using CERN’s research facilities.
- You contribute to experimental physics programmes, as well as related applied activities.
- You engage with CERN scientific teams and programmes within your field of expertise.
- You bring your experience and expertise to the scientific work and collaborations carried out at CERN.
Your profile
- You are an established and experienced scientist with a strong academic and professional background.
- You are actively involved in scientific research and/or advanced technical activities in your field.
- You have alreaday established a professional relationship with CERN.
- You are interested in contributing to large-scale international scientific activities.
Your skills
- You demonstrate strong scientific or technical expertise in your domain.
- You are able to contribute effectively to complex research programmes and scientific collaborations.
- You work comfortably in an international research environment.
- You communicate clearly and professionally in a scientific context, in English and/or French.
Additional Information
- Application Deadline: 15/02/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)
- Ideal start date: 01/07/2026
- Contract duration: up to 12 months
- Weekly Working Hours: 40
- Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
- Job Reference: AGC-2026-1/SASS-EP
Global Benefits
- A subsistence allowance between 6683-9465 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your experience.
- 2,5 days per month of authorized absences provided your association contract lasts at least 4 months plus 2 weeks annual closure.
- Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
- Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
- Possibility to extend your contract up to 24 months.
Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria
- You have already established a professional relationship with CERN.
- You have a good knowledge of English.
- You remain employed by your home institute during your appointment at CERN.
- By the application deadline, you must be below the CERN retirement age.
- Please ensure that your application is submitted under the field of work indicated in the position title, as Experimental Physics and Theoretical Physics are separate recruitment processes. All open positions within the associate programmes are available on the Associates Programmes page.
You will need these documents to complete your application
- Your CV (English or French)
- Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements.
- A list of the 10 most relevant publications indicating the personal contribution in 2-3 lines each.
Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.
If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!
More information about us, here: careers.cern
Potential interview questions
| Describe a large-scale research project you have contributed to. | This helps assess your experience with collaborative research efforts. | Highlight your role, contributions, and the outcomes of the project. |
| How do you handle communication in an international team environment? | This evaluates your communication skills and adaptability. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how your expertise has benefited a scientific project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in scientific research at CERN? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay current with developments in your field? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenge you faced in your research and how you overcame it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role do you believe collaboration plays in scientific success? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to contributing to complex research programmes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |