Legal Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With a mission to probe the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce, which is central to its success. CERN is committed to diversity and inclusion, making it a core value of the organization.

Job Overview:
As a Legal Adviser within the IP Management and KT Policies Section of the Knowledge Transfer Group at CERN, you will play a crucial role in supporting the organization's knowledge transfer activities. Your primary responsibilities will involve drafting and reviewing various agreements related to intellectual property, including license agreements and R&D agreements with scientific institutes, start-ups, and industry partners. You will also provide legal assistance on intellectual property matters to CERN personnel and address policy issues related to intellectual property and knowledge transfer. This position requires a strong understanding of intellectual property law and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks in a scientific context.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft and review a variety of agreements related to CERN's knowledge transfer activities, ensuring compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.
• Provide legal assistance on intellectual property matters to CERN personnel, offering guidance on issues such as copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.
• Address policy matters related to intellectual property and knowledge transfer, contributing to the development of organizational policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with other units within CERN to ensure that legal considerations are integrated into knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Stay updated on developments in intellectual property law and new technologies, providing insights and recommendations to the IP Section.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including industry partners and scientific institutes, to facilitate knowledge transfer agreements and collaborations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in intellectual property law, with experience gained in a law firm, industry, or scientific institutes. A Master's degree in Intellectual Property Law or New Technology Law is required, and admission to the bar is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English, with a commitment to learning French. Additionally, eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and having a professional background in Law or a related field.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in Intellectual Property Law or New Technology Law. Alternatively, candidates with a PhD in a related field may apply, provided they have no more than three years of post-graduation professional experience. A strong academic background in law is essential for success in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have between 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience if holding a Master's degree, or no more than 3 years of experience if holding a PhD. This experience should be relevant to intellectual property law and knowledge transfer activities, ideally gained in a context that involves international exposure.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the target start date for the position is November 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is IPT-KT-IP-2025-107-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and there are opportunities for on-the-job training and formal training at CERN, including in-house language courses.