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 a mission to push the frontiers of science and technology, CERN employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, contributing to our understanding of the universe. Diversity and inclusion are core values at CERN, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive, and every contribution is valued.

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 the engineering of 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, from extremely low-activated items to intermediate-level waste. This position is fully onsite and requires a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in handling radioactive materials.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Radiation Protection Technical Engineer include advising radioactive waste producers, assisting with the reception of radioactive waste items, measuring the physical properties of radioactive waste items that affect 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, monitor and control radiation protection and the technical operability of radioactive waste interim storage and processing facilities, 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 have an educational background in health physics or radiation protection, with a solid 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, as well as exposure to radioactive waste management and/or decommissioning projects, which 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 had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Applicants without a university degree or those with a PhD are 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 and documentation within the role.

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

• The selected candidate must obtain medical clearance due to the occupational health risks associated with the position, which includes work in radiation areas, interventions in underground installations, and exposure to various hazards such as asbestos and lead. The job reference for this position is HSE-RP-RWM-2026-65-GRAE. 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 and formal training, including language classes.