System Administrator

What you'll do

You will join the Controls Software & Services (CSS) Group within the Beams (BE) Department, responsible for the controls software and infrastructure used to operate CERN’s accelerators 24/7. As part of the Infrastructure and System Administration (ISA) Section, you will contribute to the evolution of the computing infrastructure that enables the efficient and synchronised operation of CERN’s accelerator complex. You will support the migration of mission-critical control system services to a new on-premises Kubernetes infrastructure, backed by modern network storage and DevOps technologies, ensuring scalability, robustness and business continuity. This is a unique opportunity to apply your system administration and computing expertise to a complex, high-availability environment at the heart of CERN’s scientific mission.

Learn more

Your responsibilities

Perform system administration tasks for the Linux computers connected to the accelerator control system (control room consoles, data centre servers, real-time embedded platforms and virtual machines);
Communicate with end-users to understand their needs and help translate these into appropriate solutions;
Investigate, diagnose, and resolve operational problems in collaboration with end-users ranging from equipment specialists to operations teams;
Participate actively in the strategic evolution of the accelerator control system infrastructure towards container technology hosted upon Kubernetes, in particular:
Provide containerisation mechanisms and tools for software development teams (base images, registry, security aspects).
Contribute to the planning and migration of the infrastructure from bare metal to a clustered container orchestration platform.
Advance, improve and upgrade the control system Kubernetes platform and associated services to follow technology evolution and adapt to the needs of users of the controls environment.
Collaborate closely with engineers from the IT Department responsible for the general CERN IT infrastructure.
Mentor and supervise junior engineers.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Linux operating system.
High-performance and high-availability commercial server platforms.
Container technologies (such as Docker and Podman).
Administration of an on-premise Kubernetes infrastructure and associated services (e.g. ArgoCD, Hashicorp Vault and Prometheus) with an awareness of architectural concerns and management of the lifecycles of the involved services, including upgrades and integration with network storage.
Diagnostic and monitoring solutions for the aforementioned technologies, with the awareness of security aspects to be considered in their deployment
Configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar and a version control system such as Git.
Interest in software failure analysis, diagnostics, and validation in a Linux environment.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.

Your skills

Knowledge of operating systems: Linux-based support and maintenance.
Architecture and design of ICT systems: Control & data acquisition system, distributed?applications and services.
Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: system configuration, monitoring, Python and Java environments.
Knowledge of communication technologies and protocols. Installation, operation and maintenance of control systems.
Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
Having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively.
Adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Employment conditions

Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 9113 Swiss Francs per month (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The BE department is at the heart of CERN's accelerator complex.

It is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of accelerators and technical infrastructure that provide the cutting-edge scientific instruments needed by the physics community.

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!

Ready To apply?

Be prepared with our resources and tips

All good?

Apply now Allow 15 minutes to complete your online application

Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.