Surface Finishing Technician (TE-VSC-SCC-2026-131-GRAE)

Perform specialised surface finishing treatment using wet chemistry for particle accelerators components.

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CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Geneva (Switzerland)

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Overview

Perform specialised surface finishing treatment using wet chemistry for particle accelerators components.

You have:

Initial exposure to surface finishing processes such as metal cleaning, etching, or electroplating (through studies, internships, traineeships, or early work experience).
Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry for bath quality follow-up.
First experience working in a laboratory, production, or technical environment is an advantage but not mandatory.
You have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Surface Finishing/Surface Treatment (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.

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Details

Job Description

We are looking for someone curious to learn new surface treatment processes.

You will perform specialised surface finishing treatment using wet chemistry for our particle accelerators components.

This will include for example degreasing and etching of various substrates (stainless steel, aluminium, copper, etc.) as well as electroplating (Au, Rh, Ag, Cu, etc.).

Your responsibilities:

Perform specialised surface finishing work as precision cleaning for mechanical components for vacuum applications, etching, electroplating and electroforming on prototype and series parts for the CERN accelerators.
Participate in the maintenance and monitoring of the workshop and the waste water treatment plant.
Document your work by written procedures and presentations.
Participate in the development of new processes and their characterisation in the context of new CERN projects.

Your profile:

Initial exposure to surface finishing processes such as metal cleaning, etching, or electroplating (through studies, internships, traineeships, or early work experience).
Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry for bath quality follow-up.
First experience working in a laboratory, production, or technical environment is an advantage but not mandatory.

Skills:

Ability to follow established procedures and work instructions accurately.
Basic capability to document work through test procedures and test reports (training provided).
Safety and quality oriented working mindset.
Good attention to detail and careful execution of tasks.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Surface Finishing/Surface Treatment (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is a general secondary education diploma.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree are not eligible.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 24.05.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-October-2026

This position involves:

Work in Radiation Areas.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: TE-VSC-SCC-2026-131-GRAE

Field of work: Material and Surface Science

Benchmark job: 300080 - Material Science/Chemical Technician

Global Benefits

A monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

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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

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Potential interview questions

Describe a time you followed established procedures in your previous work experiences. What was the outcome?	This question assesses your ability to adhere to protocols and standards in your work.	Share a specific instance where following procedures led to a successful result.
Can you provide an example of how you ensure quality and safety in your work?	The interviewer wants to understand your commitment to maintaining quality and safety standards in a technical environment.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What experiences do you have with surface treatment processes like etching or electroplating?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach learning a new surface finishing process?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your approach to teamwork and collaboration in technical settings.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you document your work and ensure it meets required standards?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever had to work under pressure or in challenging environments? How did you handle it?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to ensure attention to detail in your work?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.