An important point to note is that upon joining CERN, all contracts will be of a limited/temporary duration, ranging from a few months to several years. Embracing the spirit of knowledge-sharing, CERN encourages all members to take the expertise and experiences gained here back to their home countries, further spreading the impact of our work across the globe.
Explore our contract options for every stage of your career
Staff Contracts
Limited Duration Contract:
Staff contracts are typically offered for core positions and come with a comprehensive benefits package. Staff contracts start off as a Limited Duration (LD) contract of a few years, and the initial duration is listed in the vacancy notice. This contract type can be extended up to a maximum duration of 8 years in total.
Indefinite Contract:
During your time as an LD holder, depending on your function, you may have the possibility to apply for an Indefinite Contract (IC). It’s worthwhile to note that this process is very competitive and there is no guarantee of getting an IC.
Graduate & Research Fellowship Contracts
Graduate and fellowship contracts are offered to graduates (including graduates of an apprenticeship) and postgraduates who wish to further their knowledge and skills in a dynamic scientific environment. These contracts are generally 2 years in duration with a possibility of a 1-year extension, a maximum of 3 years in total.
Student Contracts
CERN offers various studentship opportunities for students at different educational levels. These contracts are typically short-term and provide a unique learning experience in a world-renowned scientific setting (2 months for administrative or 4 months for technical to 14 months).
Additionally, students enrolled in a PhD program who wish to carry out their research at CERN can be part of advanced research while completing their academic studies.
Internship Contracts
CERN offers various internship/traineeship opportunities for students at different educational levels. These contracts are typically short-term and provide a unique learning experience in a world-renowned scientific setting (1 month – 6 months).
Associate Contracts
Associate contracts are for researchers or professionals who collaborate with CERN on specific projects or experiments. These contracts allow external experts to work closely with CERN’s teams, contributing their specialized knowledge and benefiting from CERN’s unique environment. These contracts are usually a few months in duration.
Each of these contracts offers different benefits and opportunities, tailored to meet the needs of individuals at different stages of their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a long-term position, CERN has a contract type that can help you achieve your professional goals.