Talent Acquisition Specialist

What you'll do

You will join our multicultural team of around 20 Talent Acquisition colleagues to attract and hire diverse talent for CERN’s scientific and technical missions. Each team member partners with specific client groups, and brings their knowledge, ideas and diverse strengths to the team.

Together we have some ambitious goals, such as increasing the representation of women in STEM and strengthening nationality diversity in all types of hires, from students to seasoned professionals. You will be expected to handle big volumes of recruitment, and contribute to the shaping of first-class recruitment experiences for all stakeholders.

Your responsibilities

Partner with hiring teams and stakeholder groups to deliver on their recruitment needs. This includes translating their needs in market-ready job ads and attraction strategies; facilitating fair, transparent and inclusive selection processes.
Deliver a seamless, welcoming and inclusive candidate experience from first contact through to offer and onboarding.
Build and engage relevant talent communities.
Contribute to the overall employer branding strategies and its translation into practice with proposals, engaging with the public through social media and representing CERN at events.
Support the shaping of our future recruitment processes in particular for students and grads by staying informed and curious, translating findings in a creative and/or open-minded collaboration.
Use internal and external data as appropriate for decision making and reporting.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

End-to-end recruitment within an in-house team, ideally in an international environment.
Sourcing and engaging talent across different roles; Employer Branding, Social Media and Outreach initiatives.
HR data and analytics to drive and support informed decision-making is considered as an asset.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.

Your skills

Talent Acquisition: mastery of talent acquisition processes and best practices.
Customer service: strong ability to provide excellent service to internal and external stakeholders.
Direct sourcing: proficiency in proactive sourcing techniques and tools to proactively identify and engage potential candidates.Information content publishing: Knowledge and use of applicant tracking systems and other web-based applications.
Has a structured and organised approach towards work; is able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Contributes to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addresses issues.
Adapts quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Works well autonomously; takes on activities and tasks without prompting.
Uses openness and honesty to interact constructively with others.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/10/2026

Contract duration (in months): 36

Grade range: 4

Benchmark job: 5B0130 - Human Resources Support Officer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 7006 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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 and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
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)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The HR department attracts and engages a diverse and talented community at CERN, supporting their growth and collaboration through tailored HR services and policies.

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.