Project Graduates

Embark on an extraordinary journey at CERN with the QUEST Programme, designed specifically for experienced graduates. Dive into a world of innovation, contribute to groundbreaking projects, and take your career to the next level in the heart of scientific discovery.
See open positions by Field of Work

Programme overview

The QUEST Programme is your gateway to an exhilarating career in the heart of scientific innovation. Designed for project graduates, this programme offers you the chance to apply your skills and knowledge in a world-renowned scientific environment. At CERN, you’ll collaborate with leading experts on pioneering projects that push the boundaries of technology and innovation, making a real impact on the future of science.

The QUEST Programme will challenge you, inspire you, and propel your career to new heights. You’ll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, work alongside top professionals from around the globe, and continuously enhance your skills through learning and development opportunities.

Take the leap and join us at CERN, where your technical expertise will drive groundbreaking research and shape the future of innovation.

What we offer

  • A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree and years of post-graduation experience
  • Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your partner and children) and contribution to CERN Pension Fund
  • Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN
  • 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks during annual closure of CERN
  • On-the-job and formal training including language classes
  • A contract duration of 6 to 24 months, with a possibility to extend to up to 36 months
Deepen your knowledge and expertise
faster than anywhere else on earth.

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.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Creating an inspiring and welcoming environment for CERN's scientific community by managing and developing CERN's buildings and infrastructures.

Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

From advanced materials to innovative processes, we develop the technologies that enable CERN's scientific and engineering achievements.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Communication and stakeholder engagement drive the Organization’s efforts to build and maintain strong political, financial and public support for CERN’s scientific and societal missions.

Data Science, AI & Analytics

Data Science, AI & Analytics

Data powers discovery. We transform complex information into insights, intelligence and innovation that accelerate science and improve CERN's operations.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Powering the world's most advanced scientific facilities. We design, operate and innovate the electrical systems that make CERN's research possible.

Electronics Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Precision electronics are at the heart of every discovery. We design the intelligent systems that measure, control and capture the signals shaping modern physics.

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?

Facilities & Infrastructure Management

Facilities & Infrastructure Management

A world-class research centre relies on more than science alone. We develop and manage the facilities, infrastructure and everyday services that enable CERN's community to work, collaborate and thrive.

Finance, Control & Audit

Finance, Control & Audit

Every investment in science deserves trust. We ensure that CERN's resources are managed responsibly, transparently and sustainably, supporting discoveries that benefit the world.

Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Playing a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being of our people and the sustainability of our operations.

Human Resources

Human Resources

People are at the heart of everything we do. We help foster an inclusive environment so talented individuals from around the world can contribute to CERN's scientific mission and perform at their best.

Logistics & Transport

Logistics & Transport

Moving science forward takes more than ideas. We coordinate the flow of people, materials and equipment that keeps CERN's research and operations running smoothly.

Information Technologies

Information Technologies

Software is crucial to CERN's mission of producing particle beams for physics experiments, coordinating thousands of devices through a sophisticated accelerator control system. Our engineers and technicians develop software across all layers, from embedded real-time systems to micro-service-based backend servers and user interfaces. We leverage mainstream, open-source technologies such as Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, Java, Python, and Kafka, ensuring our knowledge is broadly applicable beyond CERN.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering at CERN is crucial to advancing technology and enabling cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Our engineers design, build, and maintain sophisticated machinery, complex accelerator systems and experimental facilities that power some of the world’s most complex and impactful experiments.

Procurement

Procurement

Every breakthrough starts with the right partners. We connect CERN's scientific ambitions with industry, securing the goods, services and expertise that make discovery possible.

Site Security

Site Security

Security is essential to scientific excellence. We help create a safe, secure and resilient environment where people, research and international collaboration can thrive.

Technology Transfer & Innovation

Technology Transfer & Innovation

Innovation doesn't stop at the laboratory. We transform CERN's technologies and expertise into real-world solutions that create impact far beyond particle physics.

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 State or Associate Member State.
    Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
    Our Member and Associate Member States
  • Specific role requirements
    Pay attention to the criteria and requirements of each specific position within the Quest programme.
  • Educational background & professional experience
    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.
  • Previous CERN experience
    You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

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 a copy of your diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don’t yet have your paper diploma).
  2. Application review and interview
    Your application will be reviewed and you may be invited to take part in a 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 a job offer. Once you accept, your onboarding journey begin!

They have completed their Project Graduates

Raluca
Software Development Engineer
Working at CERN means growing, both professionally and personally.
CERN represents the ideal organization where I knew I could learn and flourish.
Read Raluca’s story

Open positions in the Project Graduates

Filter by
Fields of Work
Currently, there are no open positions for these Fields of Work
Experimental Physics
0
Facilities & Infrastructure Management
0
Finance, Control & Audit
0
Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability
0
Human Resources
0
Logistics & Transport
0
Procurement
0
Site Security
0
Technology Transfer & Innovation
0
Theoretical Physics
0
Experience level
0
0
14
0
Profile
2
9
3
3
More filters
Filter by
Fields of Work
Experience level
Job flexibility
Profile
Department
Fields of Work
Roles

Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

Sorry, no job openings match your search.

There are no open positions for the Project Graduates for these Fields of Work

Experimental Physics

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Experimental Physics

Facilities & Infrastructure Management

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Facilities & Infrastructure Management

Finance, Control & Audit

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Finance, Control & Audit

Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability

Human Resources

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Human Resources

Logistics & Transport

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Logistics & Transport

Procurement

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Procurement

Site Security

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Site Security

Technology Transfer & Innovation

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Technology Transfer & Innovation

Theoretical Physics

Be the first to hear about new open roles in Theoretical Physics

Find the perfect programme for you

What’s your domain?
What’s your level of experience?
Create an alert
Stay informed about new opportunities at CERN and don’t miss a chance to join us!
  • Physics
  • Engineering
  • Campus, Organisational and Corporate Services
  • Data Science & Data Analytics
  • Electrical or Electronics Engineering
  • N/D
Find your Path There is a universe of opportunities at CERN; let us guide you
What's your domain?
What's your level of experience?