You will assist waste producers from the LHC experiments and participate in the operation of the CERN radioactive waste treatment centre, gaining experience in assessing the technical and financial impacts of end-of-life management for the engineering of radioactive components.

This involves developing the ability to advise waste producers on the safe, effective, and efficient handling, packaging, interim storage, and transport of a wide range of spent experimental equipment, from extremely low-activated items to intermediate-level waste.

Your responsibilities

• Advise radioactive waste producers.
• Assist with the reception of radioactive waste items.
• Measure the physical properties of radioactive waste items affecting their safe handling, interim storage, and elimination.
• Ensure traceability of radioactive waste characteristics and of the actions performed on them (measurements, transport, processing).
• Define appropriate interim storage conditions and processing pathways.
• Monitor and control radiation protection and the technical operability of radioactive waste interim storage and processing facilities.
• Contribute to the radiological classification of waste packages.
• Verify compliance of final waste packages with applicable specifications.
• Draft engineering and technical documentation in English and/or French.

Your profile

• Educational background in health physics or radiation protection, with a solid understanding of radiation protection principles and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Hands-on experience using radiation detection and measurement instruments, acquired through academic laboratories, internships, or early professional assignments, including detection and quantification of ionising radiation.
• Introductory experience with quality management systems (QMS), including basic control, verification, traceability, and documentation practices.
• Foundational knowledge of operational process analysis, including consideration of performance, risk, and safety aspects, developed through academic projects or initial professional experience.
• Exposure to radioactive waste management and/or decommissioning projects would be considered an asset.

Skills

• Strong foundation in health physics, with particular emphasis on radiation protection principles and regulatory compliance.
• Solid knowledge of radiation detection and measurement techniques, including interpretation of measurement results.
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and tools, including documentation control, traceability, and basic verification processes.
• Understanding of engineering process performance and safety assessment methodologies, with attention to risk analysis and operational safety.
• Ability to prepare clear and structured technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and technical notes.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Radiation Protection (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
• Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Job closing date: 01.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Target start date: 01-July-2026

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Exposure to asbestos.
• Exposure to lead.
• Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: HSE-RP-RWM-2026-65-GRAE

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark job: 301220 - Radiation Protection Technical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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