Environmental Protection Technician

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. Founded in 1954, CERN employs thousands of physicists and engineers who work collaboratively to study the basic constituents of matter using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking contributions to particle physics, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. CERN's mission emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and diversity, making it a unique workplace for professionals from various fields.

Job Overview:
The Environmental Protection Technician will be an integral part of the environmental protection group at CERN, responsible for conducting sampling and physicochemical analyses to ensure compliance with environmental regulations in the two host countries. The role involves collecting environmental samples, performing physicochemical measurements, and preparing samples for analysis. The technician will also supervise laboratory equipment maintenance, manage inventory, and draft technical documents and reports. This position requires a commitment to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data and analytical reports, which are crucial for internal stakeholders. The technician will also conduct on-site investigations in response to environmental events and monitor physicochemical trends in CERN's effluents, contributing to the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect environmental samples and conduct physicochemical measurement campaigns in effluents and river water from CERN sites and surrounding natural environments.
• Prepare samples for physicochemical analysis and conduct analyses using techniques such as Ionic chromatography, ICP-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, and photometry.
• Supervise the installation, maintenance, and qualification of laboratory analysis and quality control equipment.
• Manage laboratory stocks and inventory to ensure availability of necessary materials.
• Draft technical documents and reports, including tables of analytical results, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of data and analytical reports to meet the needs of internal stakeholders.
• Conduct on-site investigations in case of environmental events, providing timely and effective responses.
• Follow trends in physicochemical continuous monitoring of CERN’s effluents, contributing to ongoing assessments of environmental impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in Analytical Chemistry or a related field. Demonstrated technical expertise in physicochemical analyses using laboratory instruments such as ICP-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, IC, AOX, TOC-TN, FTIR, and Photometry is essential. Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems and experience in coordinating laboratory instrumentation maintenance are required. Familiarity with technical norms and environmental regulations related to sampling, measurement, and analysis is advantageous. Field experience, including sampling campaigns and in-situ measurements, is also beneficial. Knowledge of wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure, including operational processes and environmental constraints, is a plus.

Educational Background:
A higher technical diploma in Analytical Chemistry or a related field is required. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a strong foundation in analytical techniques and laboratory practices, as well as an understanding of environmental regulations and quality management systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated technical expertise in physicochemical analyses, with experience in using laboratory instruments such as ICP-MS, HPLC-MS/MS, and others mentioned in the job description. Experience in laboratory quality management systems and coordination of laboratory instrumentation maintenance is essential. Field experience, particularly in sampling campaigns and in-situ measurements, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learning the other language. This bilingual requirement ensures effective communication within the diverse CERN community and enhances collaboration across teams.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The role requires full-time onsite work, with a standard working hours of 40 hours per week. The selected candidate must be prepared to work in radiation areas, reside in the immediate vicinity of CERN's installations, and may be required to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays. A valid driving license is necessary, and the candidate must obtain medical clearance due to occupational health risks associated with the position. The job grade is 3-4, and the reference for this position is HSE-ENV-PM-2026-54-LD.