Research Fellowship: Experimental Physics

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Position Title: Research Fellowship: Experimental Physics
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 3 March 2025

Job Details

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

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and operates the world's largest particle physics laboratory. CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, making it a hub for international collaboration in scientific research. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, which has been a core value since its inception. CERN's mission is to explore the fundamental structure of the universe, using advanced technology and scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter.

Job Overview:
The Research Fellowship Programme at CERN is designed for PhD holders in experimental physics, offering them an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research. This program is tailored for individuals who have recently completed their PhD or are about to do so, with a maximum of six years of post-PhD research experience. The fellowship allows candidates to join various research groups within CERN, providing them with the flexibility to choose their area of focus. Applicants are encouraged to express their motivations and research interests during the application process, which can enhance their chances of selection. This program is not for a specific job but rather a pathway to contribute to CERN's experimental physics research initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a Research Fellow at CERN, you will be expected to engage in high-level research activities, contributing to the design, execution, and analysis of experiments related to particle physics. You will collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers, participate in research meetings, and present your findings at international conferences. Additionally, you will be responsible for writing research papers and reports, contributing to the scientific community's understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions. You will also have the opportunity to mentor students and junior researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Research Fellowship Programme, candidates must be nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States, with a limited number of positions available for candidates from Non-Member States. Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a PhD in particle physics or a closely related discipline. It is essential that candidates have no more than six years of research experience post-PhD by the application deadline. Additionally, candidates must not be current CERN staff members, as they are ineligible for this fellowship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in particle physics or a closely related field that aligns with CERN's experimental physics program. If the PhD has not yet been obtained, the defense date must be scheduled, and the degree must be completed within six months after the application deadline. This educational background is crucial for ensuring that fellows can effectively contribute to the advanced research conducted at CERN.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a maximum of six years of research experience following the completion of their PhD. This experience should be relevant to experimental physics and demonstrate a strong foundation in research methodologies and practices. Candidates with extensive research backgrounds in particle physics or related disciplines will be favored during the selection process.

Languages:
While the primary working language at CERN is English, proficiency in other languages is considered an asset. Candidates are expected to have a good command of English, both written and spoken, to effectively communicate their research and collaborate with international teams. Knowledge of French or other languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The Research Fellowship typically offers an employment contract for 24 months, with a possibility for a small number of outstanding candidates to receive a 36-month fellowship. The stipend ranges from 6,808 to 7,218 Swiss francs per month, net of tax. Fellows will also benefit from CERN's comprehensive health scheme, pension fund membership, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, fellows will receive 2.5 days of paid leave per month. The application process requires several documents, including a CV, recent qualifications, a statement of research interests, and letters of recommendation. The application deadline is set for 3 March 2025, with results expected by the end of May 2025.