Technical Studentship

About the role

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, offers a Technical Studentship position based in Geneva, Switzerland. This full-time role is designed for students currently pursuing technical or scientific studies who wish to gain hands-on experience at one of the world's foremost research facilities. The position provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects within CERN's technical departments while developing practical skills in a structured and supportive environment. Candidates should expect to work alongside experienced professionals on a variety of tasks that directly support the organization's core mission of advancing our collective understanding of fundamental physics and the building blocks of the universe. The studentship is intended to bridge academic learning with real-world technical application, giving participants exposure to the tools, processes, and collaborative culture that define research at this scale.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Support technical teams in maintaining and operating complex scientific equipment and infrastructure at CERN facilities in Geneva.
• Assist in the installation, testing, and calibration of devices used in particle physics experiments and detector systems.
• Contribute to documentation efforts by recording procedures, observations, and results from assigned tasks in a clear format.
• Participate in routine maintenance activities for detectors, accelerators, and related technical systems used in research operations.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to troubleshoot issues encountered during experimental runs and identify root causes.
• Help prepare technical reports and summaries of work performed during the studentship period for internal review.
• Attend internal meetings and briefings to stay informed about project progress, timelines, and upcoming technical activities.
• Follow established safety protocols and guidelines while working in laboratory, workshop, and industrial settings on site.
• Learn and apply standard operating procedures relevant to the specific technical area assigned by supervising staff.
• Support senior staff members in planning and executing short-term technical projects and deliverables within set deadlines.
• Observe and participate in quality assurance checks to ensure all technical work meets organizational standards.
• Gain exposure to project management practices by assisting with scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of technical tasks.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a technical or scientific degree program at an accredited institution of higher education.
• Availability to commit to a full-time studentship for the agreed duration without conflicting academic obligations.
• Strong foundation in physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline with demonstrated academic performance.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multilingual team environment across international departments.
• Willingness to follow instructions and learn new technical processes, tools, and procedures as needed.
• Good communication skills in English, as it is the primary working language at CERN.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to completing tasks, recording data, and producing documentation.
• Readiness to relocate to Geneva, Switzerland, for the full duration of the studentship placement.
• Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and shifting project demands within a research setting.
• Motivation to contribute to a team focused on advancing scientific knowledge through technical support.

Nice to have

• Prior hands-on experience with laboratory or workshop equipment and precision measuring tools is valued.
• Familiarity with basic programming, scripting, or data analysis techniques in a scientific context.
• Knowledge of electronics, mechanics, or computing principles as applied to technical systems.
• Previous internships or academic projects completed in a technical or research environment.
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced research environment where priorities may shift frequently.
• Exposure to control systems, instrumentation, or automation in an academic or industrial setting.

Skills & tools

• Understanding of scientific measurement instruments and their proper operation in laboratory conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and engineering diagrams accurately.
• Proficiency with standard office productivity and documentation software for report preparation.
• Basic knowledge of computer systems, operating environments, and networking concepts.
• Familiarity with version control practices and structured data management approaches.
• Competence in using hand tools and power tools for assembly and maintenance tasks.
• Awareness of health and safety regulations relevant to technical and laboratory work.
• Aptitude for learning new software platforms and digital tools relevant to assigned projects.

Practical notes

• The studentship is based at CERN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and requires regular on-site presence throughout the placement.
• The duration and start date of the studentship are set according to CERN's academic calendar and current project requirements.
• Applicants should submit their current enrollment status, academic transcripts, and a description of relevant coursework as part of the application.
• This position is open to students who meet the eligibility criteria defined by CERN's technical training and education programs.
• The selection process may include technical assessments or interviews with department staff to evaluate suitability for the role.
• Successful candidates will be integrated into a specific technical group and assigned a mentor for guidance during the studentship.

About the company

CERN runs the biggest particle physics lab globally. Founded in 1954, headquarters sit in Meyrin near Geneva, on the France Switzerland border. Membership includes 25 nations. Israel joined in 2013 and resides outside Europe. United Nations General Assembly status is observer. Scientific exploration drives operations. International collaboration defines culture. Roles span engineering, computing, and research. Opportunities attract diverse talent. Ambitions center on advancing knowledge. Work happens at the intersection of theory and experiment, supported by shared infrastructure and open science principles.