Radiation Waste Management Project Leader

What you'll do

You will lead projects to establish disposal pathways with the French agency ANDRA and, where applicable, via the Cyclife-France processing facility. This involves defining the most appropriate methods and tools to produce waste packages that comply with French specifications, and demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the process through the elimination of a pilot waste batch.

Your responsibilities

Assess all operational aspects of new and existing disposal pathways for very-low-level to short-lived intermediate-level waste;
Evaluate processing opportunities, both at CERN and externally, in accordance with the CERN regulatory framework.;
Prepare and submit project documentation to establish or upgrade pathways, including project proposals, milestone plans, and progress indicators, for approval within CERN;
Prepare and submit pathway documentation to the French agency for approval;
Define operational documentation for approved pathways, including procedures, work instructions, quality control, and traceability records;
Implement, test, and optimise pathway workflows within the CERN radioactive waste treatment centre;
Organise the waste package production, validation, and disposal;
Develop and apply measurement techniques required to characterise radioactive waste packages, such as tritium outgassing tests;
Contribute to the development of CERN's radioactive waste traceability system for radioactive equipment;
Contribute to the clearance of rad. waste from regulatory control.

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Your profile

Proven experience in radioactive waste management, including operational and technical activities.
Operational experience in radiation areas, including handling and management of radioactive waste.
Experience in coordinating and supervising radioactive waste processing and packaging activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
Experience in organizing and executing radioactive waste transport, including regulatory compliance, logistics coordination, and documentation.
Experience with waste disposal to French national repositories, including preparation of waste packages and compliance with acceptance criteria for the Andra CIRES (VLLW) and CSA (LLW) facilities.
Experience in preparing and managing technical and project documentation, including regulatory submissions, procedures, and reporting.
Practical experience in radiation protection implementation, particularly in radioactive workshops and/or decommissioning (dismantling) sites.
Your studies focused on Nuclear engineering

Your skills

Expertise in radioactive waste management, including package definition, volume reduction techniques, characterization requirements, and hazard assessment.
Knowledge and application of regulatory requirements and waste acceptance criteria for the disposal of very low to intermediate-level waste in France.
Proficiency in characterization techniques, including gamma spectrometry, tritium outgassing, data analysis, and technical reporting.
Proficiency in characterization techniques, including gamma spectrometry, tritium outgassing, data analysis, and technical reporting.
Experience in radioactive waste clearance application.
Project management skills, including planning, risk management, coordination and use of project management tools/documents.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities efficiently.
Ability to prepare clear and structured technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and technical notes.
French knowledge an asset
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language

Ideal start date: 01/07/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Team supervision

Medical hazard

Exposure to asbestos
Exposure to lead
Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Employment conditions

Work in Radiation Areas.
Interventions in underground installations.
A valid driving licence.

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
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 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.
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 HSE Department drives CERN’s Safety Policy, promoting a corporate and preventive Safety culture across the Organization.

It provides expertise and support in radiological and conventional safety as well as environmental protection. The Department also manages emergency services, including the CERN Fire and Rescue Service and Medical Service.

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.