CERN Doctoral Student Programme

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), located on the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva, is the world's premier particle physics laboratory. Through its Doctoral Student Programme, CERN invites talented postgraduate researchers to conduct experimental or theoretical work toward their doctoral thesis while embedded in international research collaborations. The program fosters future scientific leaders across diverse fields including detector technology, advanced computing, accelerator engineering, and applied physics.

Who it's for

The programme is open to university students of any nationality who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited university, or who have completed a master's degree and intend to register for a PhD. Candidates must study applied physics, engineering (electrical, mechanical, civil, materials), computing, or related scientific disciplines. Applicants must have strong academic records, relevant technical experience, and fluent proficiency in English or French.

What it covers

Selected doctoral students receive a multi-year employment association contract (typically 12 to 36 months) with a tax-free monthly net allowance of 3,907 Swiss Francs (CHF). CERN also covers comprehensive health insurance under the CERN Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS), travel expenses from the student's residence to Geneva, installation allowances, paid annual leave of 30 days per year, and family supplements where eligible.

• Must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, or a non-member state national applying under global quotas.
• Completed at least three years of full-time higher education studies (master's level or equivalent).
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program at an accredited university.
• Good knowledge of English or French.
• Thesis topic must align with CERN's ongoing technical and scientific projects.

• Tax-free monthly living allowance of CHF 3,907 net.
• Comprehensive health and accident insurance for the fellow and eligible dependents.
• Travel reimbursement for relocation to and from Geneva at the start and end of contract.
• 2.5 days of paid annual leave earned per month (30 days annually).
• Hands-on access to advanced accelerators, detectors, and High-Performance Computing clusters.

1. Prepare your updated CV in English or French, academic transcripts, and a copy of your most recent degree certificate.
2. Obtain a formal letter of recommendation from your university professor confirming your doctoral thesis arrangement.
3. Submit your application online through the CERN Careers SmartRecruiters portal before October 16, 2026 (23:59 Geneva time).
4. Complete the online questionnaire detailing your technical proficiencies and research focus.
5. Selection results are reviewed and confirmed by the CERN Selection Committee in January 2027.