Assistant Department Safety Officer

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 probe the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of physicists and engineers who work collaboratively to explore the basic constituents of matter. The organization operates in multiple countries and has a diverse workforce, emphasizing the importance of diversity in achieving its goals. CERN is known for its cutting-edge research and development in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to conduct experiments that provide insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Department Safety Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring a safe working environment within the EP Safety Office at CERN. This position involves conducting risk assessments for various activities, including those in experimental areas, laboratories, and workshops. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing general safety inspections and coordinating specialized technical inspections with domain experts. Additionally, the officer will assist activity supervisors in preparing essential safety documentation, such as operational and maintenance procedures, and will create and maintain safety files on the CERN database (EDMS). Participation in safety-related meetings and collaboration with other safety officers to enhance safety standards is also a key expectation of this role. The position may also involve specialized safety assessments in specific domains such as fire, chemical, or cryogenic safety, depending on the candidate's expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for EP activities in experimental areas, laboratories, and workshops, ensuring that necessary control measures are implemented effectively.
• Perform general safety inspections across various activities and installations, coordinating with domain experts for specialized technical inspections.
• Assist activity supervisors in the preparation of essential safety documentation, including operational and maintenance procedures, to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Create and maintain detailed safety files on the CERN database (EDMS) for different installations, ensuring that all safety documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
• Participate actively in safety-related meetings, collaborating with other safety officers to address safety concerns and improve overall safety standards within the organization.
• If applicable, leverage specific knowledge in a certain safety domain (e.g., fire, chemical, cryogenic) to support the safety office in assessments related to that domain, potentially transitioning into the role of a Specialised Safety Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of health and safety principles and associated methodologies. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office package is essential. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in English, with the ability to work in French considered an advantage. Eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and having a professional background in Engineering or Physics (or a related field).

Educational Background:
Candidates should have either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. It is important that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience in the field of safety, particularly in environments similar to those at CERN. A minimum of 2 years of experience is expected for those with a Master's degree, while candidates with a PhD should have up to 3 years of experience. Experience in conducting risk assessments and safety inspections is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language at CERN. Proficiency in French is considered advantageous and may enhance communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week. The target start date for this position is May 1, 202

• The role involves working in radiation areas and performing interventions in underground installations, which may require a valid driving license. The job reference for this position is EP-DI-2025-29-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will receive on-the-job and formal training at CERN, along with in-house language courses for English and/or French.