Technical Studentship - Material & Surface Science 2027-1

Join an environment where learning and discovery go hand in hand, gaining hands-on experience in material and surface science.

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Open positions at CERN
Logo of CERN

Overview

Join an environment where learning and discovery go hand in hand, gaining hands-on experience in material and surface science.

You have:

  • You are currently studying in Applied Physics, Engineering Physics or a related field.
  • You have completed at least 18 months of your studies (3 semesters) in the respective field at the time of the selection.
  • You are required or encouraged by your university to complete a practical training period.
  • You have a good knowledge of English or French.
  • You remain enrolled as a full-time student during your studentship.
  • You have a good understanding of material and surface science fundamentals relevant to your studies.

Contract

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Job Description

What you'll do:

You’ll join an environment where learning and discovery go hand in hand. As a Technical Student, you’ll gain hands-on experience while supporting projects in material and surface science. You’ll be part of a community where your curiosity and willingness to learn matter most.

Your responsibilities:

  • Learn from and assist experienced engineers, technicians and scientists in your field of study.
  • Contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as analyses, testing or characterisation of materials and coatings.
  • Take part in day-to-day technical activities under close supervision.
  • Collaborate and exchange ideas within an international and multidisciplinary team.

Your profile:

  • You are currently studying in Applied Physics, Engineering Physics or a related field.
  • You are required or encouraged by your university to complete a practical training period.
  • You are eager to develop your skills through on-the-job learning.
  • You enjoy teamwork and learning from others in a collaborative setting.

Your skills:

  • A good understanding of material and surface science fundamentals relevant to your studies.
  • Curiosity, precision and a proactive attitude towards learning.
  • Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.

Additional Information

Application Deadline: 16/10/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

Employment Conditions:

  • Ideal Start Date: 010/4/27
  • Weekly Working Hours: 40
  • Contract duration (in months): 4 to 12 months
  • Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits

  • A monthly allowance of 3486 Swiss Francs (tax free).
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
  • Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
  • Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

  • You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
  • You have completed at least 18 months of your studies (3 semesters) in the respective field at the time of the selection. PhD students or holders are not eligible.
  • You have a good knowledge of English or French.
  • You remain enrolled as a full-time student during your studentship.

You will need these documents to complete your application

  • Your CV (English or French)
  • Any document you consider relevant to your application
  • An academic reference letter (optional)
  • An academic transcript (optional)

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

Can you describe a project where you applied your knowledge in material or surface sciences? This question assesses your practical application of academic knowledge. Focus on a project that showcases your understanding and contributions.
How do you approach teamwork in a multicultural environment? Interviewer wants to understand your collaboration skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to learn in your technical field? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you discuss a successful collaboration experience and what you learned from it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What technical challenges have you faced in your studies and how did you overcome them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure precision and accuracy in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you hope to achieve during this practical training period? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 days ago - Updated 9 hours ago - Source: careers.cern