Project Graduates

Embark on an extraordinary journey at CERN with the QUEST Programme, designed specifically for experienced graduates. Dive into a world of innovation, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and take your career to the next level in the heart of scientific discovery.
See open positions by Field of Work

Programme overview

The QUEST Programme is your gateway to an exhilarating career in the heart of scientific innovation. Designed for project graduates, this programme offers you the chance to apply your skills and knowledge in a world-renowned scientific environment. At CERN, you’ll collaborate with leading experts on pioneering projects that push the boundaries of technology and innovation, making a real impact on the future of science.

The QUEST Programme will challenge you, inspire you, and propel your career to new heights. You’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, work alongside top professionals from around the globe, and continuously enhance your skills through learning and development opportunities.

Take the leap and join us at CERN, where your technical expertise will drive groundbreaking research and shape the future of innovation.

What we offer

  • A monthly stipend between 6287-6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax) depending on your degree
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your partner and children) and contribution to CERN Pension Fund
  • Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks during annual closure of CERN
  • On-the-job and formal training including language classes
  • A contract duration of 6 to 24 months, with a possibility to extend to up to 36 months
Deepen your knowledge and expertise
faster than anywhere else on earth.

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.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Creating an inspiring and welcoming environment for CERN’s scientific community by managing and developing CERN’s buildings and infrastructures.

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

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

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?

International Relations

International Relations

International Relations drive the Organization’s strategy to build and maintain robust political, financial, and public support for CERN’s scientific and societal missions.

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.

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.

Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Support Services at CERN ensure smooth operations across the Organization, from finance, logistics and legal expertise to human resources, administrative support and scientific information management, enabling our scientists to focus on groundbreaking research.

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.

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

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality
    You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
    Our Member and Associate Member States
  • Specific role requirements
    Pay attention to the criteria and requirements of each specific position within the Quest programme.
  • Educational background & professional experience
    By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
  • Previous CERN experience
    You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

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 a copy of your diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don’t yet have your paper diploma).
  2. Application review and interview
    Your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to take part in a online interview with the hiring manager(s) to discuss your application, CERN and the position, and for you both to determine if it could be a good fit.
  3. Offer and onboarding
    If you are successful, you will receive a job offer. Once you accept, your onboarding journey begin!

They have completed their Project Graduates

Raluca
Software Development Engineer
Working at CERN means growing, both professionally and personally.
CERN represents the ideal organization where I knew I could learn and flourish.
Read Raluca’s story

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