Theoretical Physicist

About the role

Introduction You will join the talent pool for Limited Duration research positions within the CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH), bringing together pre-assessed and endorsed candidates for future hiring opportunities based on organisational needs. As an outstanding researcher in theoretical particle physics, you will contribute to the development of new theoretical ideas aimed at understanding the fundamental constituents and forces of nature, while ensuring their relevance to CERN's experimental programme and taking full advantage of the unique environment of a large international laboratory. You will also contribute to CERN's scientific culture through active participation in training programmes and the promotion of scientific events on site. Functions Making significant contributions to theoretical research related to elementary particle physics; Participating in and initiating a large variety of activities within the Theoretical Physics Department and possibly in collaboration with the experimental physicists working at CERN; Taking part in CERN committees and study groups; Helping maintain continued contacts with the outside scientific community.  PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Theoretical Physics or a related field. Experience: Demonstrated post-doctoral research activities which have led to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. The listing location is Geneva, ch.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Introduction You will join the talent pool for Limited Duration research positions within the CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH), bringing together pre-assessed and endorsed candidates for future hiring opportunities based on organisational needs.
• As an outstanding researcher in theoretical particle physics, you will contribute to the development of new theoretical ideas aimed at understanding the fundamental constituents and forces of nature, while ensuring their relevance to CERN's experimental programme and taking full advantage of the unique environment of a large international laboratory.
• You will also contribute to CERN's scientific culture through active participation in training programmes and the promotion of scientific events on site.
• Functions Making significant contributions to theoretical research related to elementary particle physics; Participating in and initiating a large variety of activities within the Theoretical Physics Department and possibly in collaboration with the experimental physicists working at CERN; Taking part in CERN committees and study groups; Helping maintain continued contacts with the outside scientific community.  PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Theoretical Physics or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated post-doctoral research activities which have led to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization.
• Technical competencies: Knowledge and application of computational and mathematical physics Knowledge and application of particle physics, phenomenology Thorough knowledge of theoretical physics.  Behavioural competencies: Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Building relationships: understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities.
• Creating vision and strategic Partnerships: ensuring alignment to overall strategy when revising unit goals and priorities in the event of changing circumstances.

Requirements

• Introduction You will join the talent pool for Limited Duration research positions within the CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH), bringing together pre-assessed and endorsed candidates for future hiring opportunities based on organisational needs.
• Functions Making significant contributions to theoretical research related to elementary particle physics; Participating in and initiating a large variety of activities within the Theoretical Physics Department and possibly in collaboration with the experimental physicists working at CERN; Taking part in CERN committees and study groups; Helping maintain continued contacts with the outside scientific community.  PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Theoretical Physics or a related field.
• Experience: Demonstrated post-doctoral research activities which have led to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Eligibility and closing date: Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.
• Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.  Employment Conditions Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years).
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite Job grade: 6-7 Job reference: TH-SP-2026-68-LD Field of work: Theoretical Physics Benchmark Job Title: Theoretical Physicist Global Benefits A competitive salary  (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

About CERN

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.