Experienced Project Assistant

What you'll do

You will join the Accelerator and Technology Sector (ATS) which comprises four departments – Beams, Engineering, Accelerator Systems, and Technology – responsible for the Sector’s main technical activities. The ATS Directorate Office (ATS-DO Unit) is home to the Project Office, the main project teams, and a number of sector-wide transversal activities.

The Project Office is seeking a Project Assistant with prior experience in large-scale scientific international projects, to join its dynamic team and provide key support to the HL-LHC Project, European projects, the ATS Specification Committee and other strategic projects and studies.

Your responsibilities

Lead the coordination and delivery of complex European and strategic projects, ensuring effective planning, stakeholder engagement, milestone tracking, risk management, documentation, reporting, and the timely completion of project deliverables.
Manage the end-to-end ATS Specification Committee technical review process, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders, overseeing workflows and schedules, ensuring compliance with procurement and audit requirements, and driving the timely execution of actions, deliverables, KPIs, and reporting.
Drive project governance and performance monitoring by maintaining project plans, tracking progress against objectives, consolidating status reports, managing documentation and repositories (EDMS, CERNBox, JIRA), and proactively resolving issues that may impact schedules or deliverables.
Plan and coordinate workshops, technical reviews, and large-scale project events, managing logistics, stakeholder engagement, documentation, follow-up actions, and decision tracking to support successful project outcomes.
Coordinate communication and outreach activities for major projects and studies, developing communication plans, aligning stakeholders, supporting change management efforts, and ensuring clear, consistent messaging across CERN departments and external partners.

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Your profile

Demonstrated experience in the planning, coordination and delivery of workshops, meetings, reviews or other large-scale events.
Experience working in an international and multicultural environment.
Experience in a scientific, technical, engineering or project-based environment, with the ability to understand and support complex technical activities.
Your studies focused on Administration, Event Management.

Your skills

Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work autonomously and contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Proactive, service-oriented and solution-driven approach, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to engage with technical topics and rapidly acquire knowledge of project-related matters to support project leaders, coordinators and committee Chairs.
Strong attention to detail, combined with flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Proficiency in standard office software and collaborative digital tools.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree and years of post-graduation 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
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.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The ATS sector oversees the operation of CERN's accelerator complex, including the LHC.

It is responsible for the development and implementation of accelerator technologies required for current and future operations.

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.