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.

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

Are you passionate about engaging students in scientific investigations and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers? Are you an experienced education practitioner, and an enthusiastic science communicator? CERN, take part!

CERN offers an exciting opportunity to develop science learning activities in its major new project, Science Gateway. CERN Science Gateway (sciencegateway.cern) will be an emblematic education and outreach facility and a beacon to encourage young people to aim for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The hands-on education labs at Science Gateway will allow visitors to explore their scientific curiosity and learn to conduct scientific investigations. Through enquiry-based learning activities, learners will be able to engage with members of CERN's scientific community and explore the science, the discoveries and the technologies at CERN. The education labs will offer dedicated activities for different age groups of learners (approx. 5-7 years, 8-11 years, 12-15 years, 16+ years, and mixed groups such as families).

This position is for developing, testing, and evaluating enquiry-based science learning activities for the education labs in CERN's Science Gateway, planned to open at the end of 2022. The successful candidate will join the Teacher and Student Programmes section (TSP) within CERN's Education, Communications and Outreach Group (ECO) and support the Education Lab Coordinator.

As Science Education Content Developer, you will:

• Collect and explore new ideas for learning activities related to the science, the discoveries and the technologies at CERN in collaboration with members of CERN's scientific community as well as external partner;
• Develop, test, and evaluate enquiry-based science learning activities for different groups of learners following the principles of Design Based Research;
• Prepare the activities and the education labs for the start of operation;
• Facilitate activities for diverse groups of learners in the education labs;
• Contribute to other aspects of the education labs such as risk assessments, equipment orders, promotion, or volunteer management;
• Follow developments in Science Education Research about out-of-school science learning and enquiry-based learning, and contribute to the team's research efforts, as appropriate.

Eligibility criteria

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State;
• You have a PhD, or at least 4 years’ relevant experience since the completion of your MSc (or the equivalent diploma which gives access to doctoral programmes) with a maximum limit of 10 years’ experience after completion of your MSc.

Essential skills and experience

• Experience in science education, preferably using enquiry-based learning approaches;
• Experience in communicating physics (or other natural sciences) to teachers and students;
• Have very good communication skills and be able to adjust to different audiences;
• Have a high proficiency in oral and written French;
• Have at least an intermediate proficiency in oral and written English;

The following skills are not required, but would be advantageous:

• Have demonstrated interest in out-of-school science learning opportunities;
• Teaching-experience with young learners aged 5-11 years;
• Experience in the evaluation of learning activities;

Please note that CERN Staff members are not eligible to apply for a Fellowship.

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

In return, CERN will provide you with:

• An employment contract for between six months (minimum) up to a maximum of 36 months.
• A stipend ranging from 7,201 to 8,178 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva.
• 2.5 days of paid leave per month.

Your Life @CERN

Get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at CERN: https://careers.cern/benefits and https://careers.cern/our-people

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents (in PDF format) to complete your application:

• A CV.
• Your most recent relevant qualification.
• Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than a year at the time of the deadline for applications), giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements.
  • 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. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

All applications should normally reach us no later than 15 March at noon (12:00 CEST).