Head of Science Gateway Campus

What you'll do

You will shape the future vision and development of the Science Gateway, providing strategic direction and operational leadership for a unique visitor-facing venue that has welcomed over 750,000 visitors from 179 countries in its first two years of operation. You will ensure that its facilities, activities and visitor experience embody CERN’s mission of sharing knowledge and inspiring curiosity about science and innovation, while delivering high-quality exhibitions, educational programmes and events. Working closely with internal stakeholders and partners, you will drive the long-term evolution of the campus and support its continued growth as a landmark destination for science engagement.

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Your responsibilities

Develop a long-term vision for the Science Gateway and associated campus, and co-develop a multi-year strategic plan and annual priorities with internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with CERN’s education and outreach objectives, including the preparation of annual budgets, work plans and reporting on progress, risks and mitigation measures.
Plan and coordinate the implementation of permanent and temporary exhibitions and educational programmes across the Science Gateway Campus, as defined and overseen by the Education, Communication and Outreach (ECO) group, in accordance with the established operational framework.
Oversee and continuously improve day-to-day campus operations, ensuring high-quality visitor services, exhibitions, workshops, events and retail activities, and ensure that facilities are safe, well maintained and operating reliably in coordination with technical services.
Lead, support and develop the campus operations team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and service-oriented culture, and manage procurement and service contracts related to operations, maintenance, exhibitions and visitor services.
Work closely with internal teams and external partners on exhibition updates, programme renewals and event planning, and build and maintain partnerships with universities, science centres and cultural institutions for co-productions, loans, exchanges and touring exhibitions.
Contribute to fundraising and external resource mobilisation for new projects in coordination with CERN’s partnerships and fundraising team and CERN’s society foundation.
Ensure the visibility, reputation and brand consistency of the Science Gateway Campus, maintaining a high standard of on-site and digital information, and represent the Campus within CERN and to external stakeholders as its main point of contact and ambassador.

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Your profile

Extensive experience leading complex visitor-facing, cultural, scientific or public engagement facilities.
Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment, and representing an organisation to varied audiences with clarity and impact.
Proven experience developing and delivering strategies in partnership with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and building partnerships with educational, cultural or scientific institutions.
Proven experience managing budgets, contracts and external service providers.
Extensive experience overseeing operations, including safety, maintenance, visitor services and event delivery.
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Management, Science Communication, Cultural Management, Museum Studies, Education, Public Administration, Business Management or a related field. Training or certification in leadership, project management, cultural or museum operations, public engagement, or facility management is an asset.

Your skills

Development of vision and strategy.
Builds comprehensive road maps to translate the organisational vision to an operational level; defines and sets direction accordingly;
Team management; Personnel and material resources planning.
Encourages ideas and initiatives from others; fosters collaboration and team cohesion; plans activities, structures the unit and assigns tasks and responsibilities in line with unit goals;
Contract management; Organisation, planning and control.
Makes timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; deals with difficulties in a timely manner;
Promotes synergy and cooperation between the various parts of the Organisation.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/03/2026

Contract duration: 60 month contract

Grade range: 8

Benchmark job: 5A0020 - Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum entry-salary of 12905 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

SCE department manages and develops CERN's real estate assets and infrastructures in agreement with CERN's scientific strategy, as well as all the services related to the caretaking and campus operation of the CERN site, including Science Gateway.

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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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.