Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

September 29, 2026November 13, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195
  • It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in the field of particle physics. CERN operates in multiple countries, with 23 member states and several associate member states. The organization employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific discovery. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, bringing together a diverse range of professionals to tackle complex scientific challenges and contribute to our understanding of the universe.

Job Overview:
As an Administrative Assistant in the CERN Users Office, you will play a crucial role in delivering customer-focused administrative services to CERN's international community of guest scientists. This position involves supporting various processes related to registration, personnel formalities, and Host State documentation. You will gain valuable hands-on experience in administrative coordination, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery. Additionally, you will contribute to the implementation of CERN's new Human Capital Management (HCM) system and help develop onboarding initiatives that facilitate the integration of newcomers into the Administration Directorate. This role is essential for ensuring that guest scientists receive the necessary support and resources to thrive in their research endeavors at CERN.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include providing administrative support and guidance to CERN's guest scientists, facilitating their registration and personnel formalities, and assisting with their integration into the CERN community. You will be tasked with processing, maintaining, and managing administrative records and documentation, ensuring data quality and accuracy across CERN's information systems. Furthermore, you will contribute to the continuous delivery of administrative services by supporting team activities and ensuring service continuity when required. You will also support the documentation, review, and improvement of administrative and Human Capital Management (HCM) processes, including the collection and analysis of user feedback. Additionally, you will contribute to the development and maintenance of onboarding resources, communication materials, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that support the successful integration of newcomers across AGS services.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this position, you should be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. By the application deadline, you should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in General Administration, Customer Service, or a related field. Your highest educational qualification should be a general secondary education diploma. It is important to note that applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree are not eligible for this position. Initial experience in administrative support, customer service, office administration, or a related field would be considered an asset, as well as exposure to service-oriented activities and interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders. Familiarity with standard office software and digital collaboration tools is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a general secondary education diploma. This foundational qualification is essential for understanding the administrative processes and customer service expectations at CERN. While higher educational qualifications such as Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees are not eligible for this role, the emphasis is placed on practical experience and skills relevant to administrative support and customer service.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is relatively entry-level, with a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. Candidates should have some initial experience in administrative support, customer service, or office administration. Exposure to service-oriented activities and interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders would be advantageous, as well as experience in maintaining records, documentation, or administrative information. This role is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience in a dynamic and international environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for interacting with the local community and enhancing communication within the organization. While English is essential, knowledge of French will be considered an asset and may improve the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 18 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 job is fully onsite at CERN in Geneva. The target start date for this position is December 1, 202
  • The job reference for this position is EP-AGS-2026-227-GRAE. In terms of compensation, the successful candidate will receive a monthly stipend of 4687 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme for the employee and their family, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job and formal training, including language classes, will also be provided to support the professional development of the successful candidate.
Apply now
Similar Jobs