Geotechnical Engineer

What you'll do

You will support the Future Circular Collider (FCC) site investigations campaign (approximately 100 deep boreholes) – including the project management, permitting and stakeholder engagement – and the design studies for the project’s underground and surface civil engineering infrastructure, as a graduate engineer with experience in geotechnical and/or underground civil engineering, joining the civil engineering team working on the FCC at CERN.

Your responsibilities

Support site investigations project manager with both site-based and office support for all execution of the planning, execution and reporting of the site investigations campaign.
Assist with design reviews of tunnels, shafts, caverns and surface structures, checking consultant deliverables against the brief, design codes and CERN requirements.
Support geotechnical calculations and analyses.
Help assess construction methods, including TBM and conventional excavation, and their interaction with ground conditions.
Contribute to the project geotechnical and hydrogeological risk register and to options studies for alignment and site layout.
Support cost estimates, construction schedules and quantity take-offs for the civil works.
Help translate site investigation findings into design parameters and geotechnical baseline information.
Prepare technical notes, drawings mark-ups and presentation material for internal reviews, committees and public engagement.
Liaise with other CERN groups (integration, survey, cooling and ventilation, safety, etc.) on interfaces with the civil works.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Strong academic background in geotechnical engineering.
First experience working in a consultancy/contractor specialising in geotechnical works, either surface or underground.
Strong fundamentals in soil and rock mechanics.
Basic experience of geotechnical modelling.
Familiarity with GIS and geotechnical data management.

Your skills

Ability to work in an international team and adapt readily to changing requirements.
Willingness to work on a variety of tasks as the team requires.
Organised, able to manage several tasks and deadlines at once.
A clear communicator, in writing and in person, with specialists and non-specialists alike.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/02/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

A valid driving licence.

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

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.