Doctoral Studentship

Imagine immersing yourself in a unique environment where your theoretical knowledge meets real-world application. Whether your passion lies within the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), CERN, in collaboration with your university, offers you an unparalleled platform to develop your skills, gain invaluable hands-on experience, and write a thesis that could shape the future of science.
See open positions by Field of Work

Programme overview

The Doctoral Student Programme at CERN is an exceptional opportunity designed for PhD students to engage in cutting-edge research at one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. As a participant, you are given the chance to collaborate with leading scientists and engineers, contributing to projects that push the boundaries of human knowledge.

In addition to the technical and research experience, CERN’s Doctoral Student Programme offers a vibrant, multicultural environment, with students and professionals from all over the world. This diversity fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, further enhancing the learning experience.

What we offer

  • A monthly allowance of 3891 Swiss Francs (tax free).
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
  • Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
  • Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
  • A contract duration for 6 months, renewable up to 3 years, with possibility to spread over a maximum duration of 4 consecutive years to allow you to spend time at your university.
Ready to elevate your PhD with groundbreaking research at CERN?

Explore a wide range

of opportunities

Applied Physics

Applied Physics

Applied Physics at CERN plays a vital role in transforming theoretical concepts into tangible technologies that drive both scientific discovery and practical innovation. From developing cutting-edge particle detectors to contributing to global medical advancements, CERN’s applied physicists are at the forefront of technology that changes the world.

Experimental Physics

Experimental Physics

CERN’s Experimental Physics challenges the limits of our understanding, transforming bold theories into high-energy collisions that reveal the universe’s deepest secrets. From designing experiments to analysing breakthrough data, our physicists push the boundaries of knowledge every day. Ready to turn theory into discovery?

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Electrical or Electronics Engineering

Pivotal in designing, developing, and maintaining the sophisticated systems that power our cutting-edge experiments.

Material and Surface Science

Material and Surface Science

Developing and maintaining advanced materials and surfaces essential for the optimal performance of particle accelerators.

Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics at CERN provides the essential language and tools that underpin theoretical models, data analysis, and algorithm development. From simulating high-energy collisions to optimizing detector performance, mathematical methods drive innovation across all areas of particle physics research.

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical Physics

Theoretical physics at CERN explores the fundamental principles of particles and forces, providing the framework for understanding the universe at its most fundamental level. It transforms abstract concepts into testable predictions, ensuring that CERN remains at the cutting edge of discovery.

Here is a sneak peek of the eligibility criteria and recruitment process

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nationality
    You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
    Our Member and Associate Member States
  • Specific requirement
    Your university must accept that the research you conduct at CERN contributes to your doctoral thesis in one of CERN’s fields of work (experimental and theoretical physics, engineering, computer science and applied sciences)
  • Student status
    You are enrolled in a doctoral program in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. You should have begun your doctoral studies at the time of application.
  • Language skills
    You have a good knowledge of English or French.

Recruitment process for this programme

  1. Submit application
    Apply with your CV (in English or French) and complete the online application before the deadline.
    Add an academic reference letter + transcript (optional).
  2. Application review and interview
    Your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to take part in an online interview with the hiring manager(s) to discuss your application, CERN and the position, and for you both to determine if it could be a good fit.
  3. Offer and onboarding:
    If you are successful, you will receive an offer. Once you accept, your onboarding journey begin!

They have completed their Doctoral Studentship

Monty
PhD Student in Detector Physics
The main growth I have seen in myself is on a personal level. Simply through all the international experiences and the different people I got to meet during my time at CERN.
Read Monty’s story
Jirka
Space Engineer for ISOLDE
Ever since I started university, I’ve always been most passionate about courses that were deeply rooted in Physics. I was never satisfied just plugging numbers into formulas, I always wanted to understand the principles behind them.
Read Jirka’s story
Rebecca
Doctoral Student
Everyone working here is so excited about the work they do.. There are always new people to meet and new connections to form
Read Rebecca’s story

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