CERN - CERN Fellowship Programme

Benefit

You will receive net, tax-free stipend (a monthly grant) of about 6,584 EUR (between 7,004 and 7,425 Swiss francs, depending on the terms of the contract) for a postdoctoral research position at CERN, the European particle physics laboratory near Geneva in Switzerland. Contracts run for a period of 6 to 24 months and may be extended to up to 36 months. Some outstanding candidates from the field of experimental physics will be offered a contract for 36 months immediately. You will also receive CERN health insurance for yourself, your partner and your children, membership of the CERN pension scheme, and family and child allowances, where applicable. You will also receive a relocation package covering travel expenses, 30 days’ paid leave, a two-week annual company holiday period, and on-the-job and classroom training, including language courses. You will be based entirely on-site in Geneva.

Eligibility

• Degree: You have obtained a PhD in physics or engineering, or will complete one within six months of the application deadline.
• Field: Experimental physics, applied physics and engineering, or theoretical physics. Related disciplines are also taken into account, such as materials and surface sciences, electrical engineering and electronics, mathematics, and software development and computer science.
• Research experience: For theoretical and experimental physics, no more than 6 years may have elapsed since you obtained your PhD. For applied physics and engineering sciences, no more than 3 years may have elapsed; in exceptional cases, up to 6.
• Nationality: You are a national of a CERN Member State or an Associated Member State. Each year, a small number of places are available for nationals of other countries.
• No prior CERN contract: You have never held a CERN scholarship or graduate contract and are not currently a CERN employee.
• Languages: You speak English or French well; these are the working languages at CERN.

How to apply

You apply online via the CERN careers portal. You must submit a CV, proof of your qualifications and three recent letters of reference. For the Experimental Physics division, you should also include a brief description of your research interests. Each of the three divisions runs its own selection process with its own application deadline; you should therefore apply to the division that best matches your profile. If you are shortlisted, you will have an online interview with the recruitment officer before an offer is made to you.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is highly specialised in terms of field of study and professional experience. You must hold a PhD in physics or engineering, have graduated only a few years ago, and be a national of a CERN member state. This keeps the pool of applicants small and specialised, but as CERN is world-renowned, competition is fierce. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding field of specialisation, length of experience and nationality, and can demonstrate research work that aligns with CERN’s programmes, your prospects are good.