Technical Studentship
Job description
About the role
CERN offers a Technical Studentship designed for individuals currently pursuing studies in a scientific or engineering discipline. This position is situated at the European Organization for Nuclear Research headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world's leading centers for fundamental physics research. The role provides hands-on experience supporting CERN's research infrastructure and technical operations across a wide range of projects. The student will work alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative international environment that brings together experts from many countries and backgrounds, contributing meaningfully to ongoing research efforts while developing practical technical skills.
Key facts
What you'll do
Support the maintenance and operation of technical systems used in particle physics research experiments.
Assist engineering teams with the design, assembly, and testing of experimental equipment and detector components.
Contribute to the installation and commissioning of accelerator subsystems and associated technical infrastructure.
Document technical procedures, configurations, and experimental results in clear and structured written reports.
Collaborate with researchers from multiple countries on shared technical projects and joint initiatives.
Monitor and troubleshoot hardware and software systems in a laboratory or industrial setting.
Participate in regular team meetings to discuss project progress, technical challenges, and proposed solutions.
Help prepare technical documentation for internal review and for external collaboration partners.
Apply academic knowledge to real-world problems in high-energy physics instrumentation and measurement.
Gain exposure to large-scale scientific infrastructure and the processes of international project management.
Ensure compliance with CERN safety regulations and quality standards during all technical activities.
Present findings and technical updates to team members and supervisors during project review sessions.
Maintain accurate records of equipment status, calibration data, and maintenance logs for future reference.
Requirements
Currently enrolled in a relevant technical or scientific degree program at a recognized university or institution.
Demonstrated interest in particle physics, accelerator science, or a related engineering discipline.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a consistent attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multilingual team environment on a daily basis.
Good communication skills in English, both written and verbal, to interact with international colleagues.
Willingness to follow strict safety protocols and procedures in a laboratory or industrial setting.
Availability to commit to the full duration of the studentship as a full-time position.
Basic familiarity with standard technical tools, measurement instruments, or introductory programming concepts.
Must obtain and maintain any required security clearance or authorization for access to CERN facilities.
Must be able to work independently and take initiative when facing technical challenges or unknowns.
Nice to have
Prior experience with laboratory or workshop equipment in an academic or industrial environment.
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C, or MATLAB for data analysis tasks.
Knowledge of electronics, mechanical design, or control systems fundamentals and principles.
Previous participation in student projects, internships, or research placements in a technical field.
Understanding of data analysis techniques and statistical methods applied to experimental measurements.
Experience with version control systems such as Git for managing code and configuration files.
Skills & tools
Technical drawing and CAD software for equipment design and detailed documentation purposes.
Programming environments for data acquisition, analysis, and automation scripting in a research context.
Standard laboratory measurement and testing equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and multimeters.
Version control systems for managing technical code, configuration files, and shared repositories.
Operating systems including Linux environments commonly used in scientific computing and data processing.
Communication and collaboration platforms for coordinating work across international teams and time zones.
Familiarity with version control workflows and software development practices in a technical setting.
Data analysis frameworks and visualization libraries commonly used in scientific research environments.
Practical notes
The studentship is a full-time position based at CERN's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Candidates should confirm their eligibility for a studentship with their home institution before applying.
The duration and start date of the studentship are subject to agreement between the candidate and the hiring team.
Applicants are expected to provide academic transcripts and a statement of interest as part of the application process.
All candidates must be available for an in-person interview at CERN's Geneva site if selected.
The hiring process may include a technical assessment or written test as part of the selection procedure.
Housing assistance and relocation guidance may be available for candidates moving to Geneva from outside Switzerland.
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.