Technical Studentship

About the role

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, offers a Technical Studentship program designed for students pursuing hands-on experience in a world-leading scientific research environment. This full-time position is based in Geneva, ch, and provides an immersive opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects within the organization. The role is intended for individuals currently enrolled in a relevant academic program who wish to apply their studies to real-world research and technical challenges. Participants work alongside experienced professionals while developing practical skills in a collaborative, international setting.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Support technical teams in the design, assembly, and testing of equipment used in particle physics experiments.
• Contribute to the maintenance and operation of complex scientific instruments and detector systems at CERN.
• Assist in the development of software tools for data acquisition and analysis in research projects.
• Participate in the installation and commissioning of hardware components at CERN facilities and laboratories.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists across international teams to solve technical and operational problems.
• Document work procedures, test results, and technical specifications in organized written reports for team review.
• Attend internal seminars and training sessions to deepen understanding of accelerator and detector technologies.
• Help prepare technical documentation for review by senior staff and project leads on site.
• Perform routine checks and calibrations on laboratory and workshop equipment as needed by the team.
• Engage in cross-functional discussions to share progress updates and propose improvements to existing workflows.
• Review and validate data outputs from experimental runs to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.
• Coordinate with external collaborators and visiting researchers to integrate technical contributions into larger initiatives.
• Contribute to safety reviews and risk assessments for technical installations and experimental setups.
• Prepare oral presentations or poster materials for internal project reviews and team meetings.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a university degree program in a technical or scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in particle physics, accelerator science, or a closely related field of study.
• Solid understanding of basic engineering principles, electronics, or computing concepts and their applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multilingual team environment on a daily basis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English for professional collaboration and reporting.
• Willingness to follow safety protocols and procedures in laboratory and workshop settings at all times.
• Capacity to manage independent tasks while meeting project timelines and deliverables set by supervisors.
• Availability for the full duration of the studentship as a full-time commitment without interruption.
• A proactive and self-directed approach to learning new tools, techniques, and domain knowledge independently.
• Comfort with hands-on work in workshop, laboratory, or computing environments as required by the role.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with laboratory work, prototyping, or technical projects in an academic or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C, or C++ for scientific computing and scripting.
• Knowledge of electronics, microcontrollers, or embedded systems relevant to instrumentation and control applications.
• Previous participation in university research projects or internships in a technical capacity.
• Experience with control systems, PLCs, or industrial automation in a technical environment.
• Background in mathematics, physics, or computer science with strong analytical reasoning capabilities.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in technical drawing or CAD software for design and documentation purposes in engineering contexts.
• Experience with data analysis frameworks and scientific computing environments used in research settings.
• Understanding of version control systems and collaborative software development practices for team-based work.
• Familiarity with laboratory measurement instruments, oscilloscopes, and signal processing equipment for experimental tasks.
• Ability to read and interpret technical schematics, diagrams, and engineering drawings accurately and efficiently.
• Working knowledge of Linux-based operating systems and command-line interfaces for computing workflows.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and error analysis techniques used in experimental physics research.
• Comfort with collaborative platforms, issue trackers, and shared repositories for team-based development.

Practical notes

• The studentship is hosted at CERN headquarters in Geneva, ch, and requires on-site presence throughout the placement.
• Applicants should confirm their eligibility with their home institution regarding external work placements and visa arrangements.
• The duration and start date of the studentship are subject to agreement between the candidate and the hosting team.
• All candidates must comply with CERN safety regulations and complete required induction training before beginning any work activities.
• Housing assistance and guidance on relocation may be available through CERN's student support services for successful applicants.
• The position is open to candidates from member and associate member states of CERN, subject to institutional agreements.

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.