Associate Programmes

Through CERN’s Associate Programmes, you can collaborate internationally and exchange expertise with leading scientists. While staying connected to your home institute, you’ll contribute to advancing global scientific knowledge and innovation.
See open positions by Field of Work

Programme overview

You can join as:

  • A Scientific Associate (SASS): Ideal for longer-term contributions, engaging in CERN’s experimental, theoretical, and applied science programmes.
  • A Corresponding Associate (CASS): Perfect for short-term appointments to stay updated and connected with advancements in your field.

What we offer

  • A subsistence allowance of 4366 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) for corresponding associate or between 6656-9427 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your experience for scientific associate.
  • Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure and authorized absences provided your association contract lasts at least 4 months.
  • A contract duration of 12 months, with the possibility to extend up to 24 months for scientific associates or 6 months for corresponding associates.
Your gateway to collaboration, innovation, and discovery
at CERN.

Explore a wide range

of opportunities

Applied Physics

Applied Physics

Applied Physics at CERN plays a vital role in transforming theoretical concepts into tangible technologies that drive both scientific discovery and practical innovation. From developing cutting-edge particle detectors to contributing to global medical advancements, CERN’s applied physicists are at the forefront of technology that changes the world.

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Pivotal in designing, developing, and maintaining the sophisticated systems that power our cutting-edge experiments.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering at CERN is crucial to advancing technology and enabling cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Our engineers design, build, and maintain sophisticated machinery, complex accelerator systems and experimental facilities that power some of the world’s most complex and impactful experiments.

Material and Surface Science

Material and Surface Science

Developing and maintaining advanced materials and surfaces essential for the optimal performance of particle accelerators.

Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics at CERN provides the essential language and tools that underpin theoretical models, data analysis, and algorithm development. From simulating high-energy collisions to optimizing detector performance, mathematical methods drive innovation across all areas of particle physics research.

Software Engineering and IT

Software Engineering and IT

Software is crucial to CERN’s mission of producing particle beams for physics experiments, coordinating thousands of devices through a sophisticated accelerator control system. Our engineers and technicians develop software across all layers, from embedded real-time systems to micro-service-based backend servers and user interfaces. We leverage mainstream, open-source technologies such as Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Java, Python, and Kafka, ensuring our knowledge is broadly applicable beyond CERN.

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics at CERN explores the fundamental principles of particles and forces, providing the framework for understanding the universe at its most fundamental level. It transforms abstract concepts into testable predictions, ensuring that CERN remains at the cutting edge of discovery.

Experimental Physics

Experimental Physics

CERN’s Experimental Physics challenges the limits of our understanding, transforming bold theories into high-energy collisions that reveal the universe’s deepest secrets. From designing experiments to analysing breakthrough data, our physicists push the boundaries of knowledge every day. Ready to turn theory into discovery?

Here is a sneak peek of the eligibility criteria and recruitment process

Eligibility Criteria

  • Specific role requirement
    You remain employed by your home institute during your appointment at CERN and for Corresponding Associate only, your institute is located in a CERN Member or Associate Member State (except France, Italy, Germany and Great Britain).
    Our Member and Associate Member States
  • Previous CERN experience
    You have already established a professional relationship with CERN.
  • Language skills
    You have a good knowledge of English.

Recruitment process for this programme

  1. Submit application
    Apply with your CV (in English or French) and complete the online application before the deadline.
    Add 3 reference letters less than one year old + a list of your publications.
  2. Application review and interview
    Your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to take part in an online interview with the manager(s) to discuss your application, CERN and the position, and for you both to determine if it could be a good fit.
  3. Selection
    Managers meet for selection twice a year.
  4. Offer and onboarding
    If you are successful, you will receive a job offer. Once you accept, your onboarding journey begin!

Open positions in the Associate Programmes

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Theoretical Physics
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Experimental Physics
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Applied Physics

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Electrical or Electronics Engineering

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Mechanical Engineering

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Material and Surface Science

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Mathematics

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Software Engineering and IT

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Theoretical Physics

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Experimental Physics

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