Radiation Protection Technical Engineer

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 over 2,500 employees and a diverse community of scientists and engineers from more than 100 countries, CERN operates in multiple countries across Europe. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in particle physics and technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among its members. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, and it has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries in the field of physics.

Job Overview:
The Radiation engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Protection Technical Engineer position at CERN involves assisting waste producers from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiments and participating in the operation of the CERN radioactive waste treatment center. The role is crucial for gaining experience in assessing the technical and financial impacts of end-of-life management for engineering radioactive components. The engineer will develop the ability to advise waste producers on the safe, effective, and efficient handling, packaging, interim storage, and transport of a wide range of spent experimental equipment, which includes items that are extremely low-activated to intermediate-level waste. This position is integral to ensuring compliance with safety regulations and effective waste management practices within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Radiation Protection Technical Engineer include advising radioactive waste producers on best practices, assisting with the reception of radioactive waste items, measuring the physical properties of these items to ensure their safe handling, interim storage, and elimination. The engineer will ensure traceability of radioactive waste characteristics and actions performed on them, define appropriate interim storage conditions and processing pathways, and monitor radiation protection and technical operability of radioactive waste interim storage and processing facilities. Additionally, the engineer will contribute to the radiological classification of waste packages, verify compliance of final waste packages with applicable specifications, and draft engineering and technical documentation in English and/or French.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid educational background in health physics or radiation protection, demonstrating a strong understanding of radiation protection principles and applicable regulatory frameworks. Hands-on experience using radiation detection and measurement instruments is essential, which can be acquired through academic laboratories, internships, or early professional assignments. Introductory experience with quality management systems (QMS) is also required, including basic control, verification, traceability, and documentation practices. Foundational knowledge of operational process analysis, including performance, risk, and safety aspects, is necessary, ideally developed through academic projects or initial professional experience. Exposure to radioactive waste management and/or decommissioning projects would be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Radiation Protection or a related field. Candidates must have graduated within the last two years and should not have held a CERN fellow or graduate contract previously. Applicants without a university degree are not eligible, and those with a PhD are also not eligible for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Radiation Protection or a related field. This experience should ideally include practical exposure to radiation detection and measurement, as well as familiarity with quality management systems and operational process analysis.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English or French is mandatory, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the diverse environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The job closing date is set for April 1, 2026, at 23:59 CEST. The contract duration is 24 months, with a possible extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are 40 hours per week, and the position is fully onsite. The target start date for this role is July 1, 202

• The position involves work in radiation areas, interventions in underground installations, and exposure to various occupational health risks, including asbestos and lead. A valid driving license is required, and the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job reference is HSE-RP-RWM-2026-65-GRAE, and the field of work is Health, Safety, and Environment. The compensation includes a monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs (tax-free), 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, a relocation package, and opportunities for on-the-job training and formal training, including language classes.