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.

The smartest way to kick-start your career and give it real momentum!

What to expect from the Origin programme?

We offer an opportunity to take part in the largest scientific experiment in the world. Unique early careers programmes in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment. It is an effort to uncover what the universe is made of and understand how it works. A path to develop the next generation of technicians and administrative experts. Origin. Where your career begins. Take part!

The Origin Programme is aimed at candidates who finished their general secondary education or have obtained a technical of administrative diploma (no university level) in a wide range of computing, administration or engineering with limited or no work experience, looking to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

All projects that are currently available can be found here.

If any of these are of specific interest for you, please mention the code when completing your application. Please note this is not mandatory nor a guarantee that these projects will be the ones for which you are selected: you may be selected on another project that matches your profile. 

Who are we looking for?

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State;
• You have a your general secondary education degree, technical or administrative diploma, and no more than 2 years' relevant experience after obtaining your diploma (if you are currently studying, you are still eligible to apply, although you are expected to have obtained your qualification by 22 November 2022); Applicants with a University degree are not eligible for this Programme.
• You should have a working knowledge of English or French.

What we offer

• An employment contract of in principle 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months;
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend of 4500 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: installation grant, family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of appointment;
• 30 days of paid leave per year.

Application process

Your application will be considered by a panel of CERN experts. The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is January 2023.

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

• A CV;
• A scanned copy of your latest relevant qualification (or a screenshot of the latest academic transcript obtained if the diploma is not yet obtained).

Ready to take part? Then please submit your application by 3 October 2022 at noon (12.00 PM CEST).