At CERN, the European Organisation 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. 

We are excited to offer PhD grants funded thanks to the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics awarded to the ALICE Collaboration in April 2026.

This PhD grant programme provides opportunities for highly motivated PhD students in particle/nuclear physics and applied physics to obtain training in research at CERN on the ALICE experiment. 

The home university holds responsibility for PhD supervision and degree awarding, while daily co-supervision at CERN is provided by a senior CERN staff member or user, who is based at CERN during the relevant period.

Eligibility

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 30.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Applicants may be from a CERN member, associate, or non-member state. They must be currently enrolled in, or about to embark on, a PhD in particle, nuclear or applied physics. The candidate's home university must be a member of the ALICE Collaboration.

Applicants must have good knowledge of English and/or French.

Required documents and selection criteria

The following documents need to be submitted via this link.

• A motivation letter including a statement on the foreseen research plan and the requested duration of the grant. Candidates are encouraged to contact a prospective supervisor at CERN to define a project before applying.
• A CV of the applicant and filled application form.
• Two reference letters.
• Proof of enrolment at a university (home institution) that is a member of the ALICE Collaboration.
• A letter confirming the interest of the supervisor at the home university. If the supervisor provides a reference letter, this statement of interest could be included.

The selection committee shall consider the motivation of the candidate, the quality of the proposed project, the benefit to the programme of the collaboration and the home university, as well as diversity considerations in the selection process.

What we offer

Selected candidates will receive a grant, in the form of a monthly cost-of-living allowance of 2820 CHF, to spend a period of typically one year at CERN, while working towards a PhD thesis on the ALICE experiment.

The grant includes health coverage if sufficient coverage is not already provided by the home university. An additional monthly allowance of 530 CHF will be provided to successful candidates relocating with a spouse or 1060 CHF if relocating with children.

Status at CERN 

The successful candidates will be based at CERN as a member of the visiting research team of their home university with the ALICE Collaboration, and accordingly will have the CERN personnel status of User.