At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

One of CERN’s key missions is education. Our professionals very much enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with students who are committed and passionate about their chosen field.

Imagine getting involved in work that is changing the world and imagine doing it before you’ve left university.

Imagine working in an international environment and having a great quality of life.

Put all these ingredients together to make this imagination a reality.

There’s no better way to learn than on-the-job. When that job happens to be in a world-famous organisation and centre of scientific excellence, even better.

Take part in CERN’s Technical Student Programme! 

If your university or institute requires or encourages you to acquire work experience through an internship, imagine doing this at CERN in Geneva. It’s more than work experience. In fact, it’s a student programme like nowhere else on Earth and an impressive addition to your CV!

If you are a student looking to complete practical training in domains related to Material and Surface Science or Chemical Engineering, you will have the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology, contribute and broaden your knowledge in areas as varied as mechanical testing of materials, magnetic measurements, metallography, surface treatment, optical and electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction or radiochemistry to name but a few.

Please note that students specialising in theoretical or experimental particle physics are not eligible to apply for this programme.

A panel of CERN experts meets twice a year in December and May to review all applications, and on each occasion, typically 120 students are selected to join the programme.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State (home.cern/about/member-states).
• You have completed at least 18 months of your undergraduate studies (Bachelor or Master’s) at the time of the next student selection taking place in December 2018. PhD students are not eligible for this programme.
• You can stay for at least 4 and at most 12 months remaining registered as a full-time student.
  • We advise you to opt for the longest period possible to make the most of it and increase your chances of being selected!
• You have a good knowledge of English OR French.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion. 

In return, CERN will provide you with:

• A contract of association from 4 to 12 months.
• An allowance of 3283 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• A travel allowance.
• Depending on your personal circumstances, a supplement if you are married and/or have children.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
• 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents to complete your application (please make sure to name the documents accordingly e.g. CV, motivation letter, academic transcript...):

• A CV.
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal please make sure there is no protection so that we can open it).
• A reference letter from your University Professor (Mandatory. Should you have a letter of reference from a previous internship you may add this as a second reference).
  • You can upload this letter at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. This must be done before the closing date.

You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. This must be done before the closing date.

Please note that applications may be shared with a panel of national experts for evaluation purposes.

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further.

Your application along with all supporting documents should reach us no later than 22.10.2018. It will be reviewed by a panel of CERN experts who will meet in December 2018.

Please note that all the documents you upload will remain attached to your Smartrecruiters profile. You do not need to upload them again for other applications you might submit.