Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established in 195

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and its mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe through advanced scientific research and innovation.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Geotechnical Engineer at CERN involves significant responsibilities in the design and construction of underground civil engineering structures, particularly for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) project. The FCC is a proposed particle accelerator with a circumference of 91 kilometers, planned to be constructed in an underground complex up to 500 meters below ground in the Geneva Basin. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in geotechnical engineering to manage and oversee all geotechnical aspects of the FCC project, ensuring that the design and construction processes meet the highest standards of quality and safety. This role requires a strong ability to work independently on complex projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective engineering solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Geotechnical Engineer will undertake a variety of critical tasks, including: conducting numerical studies to support preliminary designs and optioneering studies for the FCC's underground structures; overseeing and critically assessing geotechnical work performed by external consultants, contractors, and specialist advisors; preparing geotechnical technical specifications and a geotechnical baseline report (GBR) to support consultancy contracts related to the design and construction of significant underground and surface structures; managing contracts for consultancy and site investigation services to gather essential geotechnical data; and collaborating closely with the civil engineering team to provide expert support in geotechnical engineering. The role also involves contract management and ensuring compliance with technical specifications throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or a related field. Additionally, extensive experience in underground civil/geotechnical engineering is required, along with proven capabilities in writing technical documentation for site investigations and the design of underground structures. Experience in managing contracts for design and site investigation services for large civil engineering projects is also essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical competencies in the design of underground structures, knowledge of construction methods, and the ability to specify and follow up on technical aspects of contracts.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, or a closely related field is mandatory for this position. Candidates with equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of civil engineering and geotechnical engineering, with a focus on underground structures and construction techniques.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in civil and geotechnical engineering, particularly in managing all life-cycle processes associated with the design and construction of underground structures such as tunnels, shafts, and caverns. Candidates should have extensive experience in relevant fields of underground civil/geotechnical engineering, with a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and contracts effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this role, as it is the primary working language at CERN. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for collaboration within the organization and the local community.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of applying for an indefinite position subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers hybrid flexibility, allowing for a combination of on-site and remote work. A valid driving license is required for this role. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is SCE-PPM-2025-208-LD, with a focus on civil engineering.