Research Fellowship; Experimental Physics

What you’ll do

You will join one of CERN’s experimental physics groups, if selected for this Research Fellowship, to develop and lead your own research programme at the frontier of particle physics. You will work in a highly collaborative and international environment, analysing data, contributing to detector operations or upgrades, and engaging in the design, execution and interpretation of physics analyses. You will also be part of CERN’s vibrant scientific community through seminars, workshops, training activities and collaborative projects.

• You conduct research in experimental physics within a CERN research group of your choice.
• You contribute to CERN’s experimental physics programme using its large-scale scientific instruments.
• You collaborate with physicists and engineers on studies of particle interactions and related research activities.
• You develop and pursue your research interests within the framework of the Fellowship.

• You hold a strong background in experimental particle physics or a closely related field.
• You have research experience aligned with the scientific activities carried out at CERN’s experimental facilities.
• You are motivated to join a research group and contribute to high‑impact scientific work.
• You are eager to develop and pursue your own research interests within the Fellowship framework.

• You have solid analytical and problem‑solving skills in the context of experimental physics.
• You are able to work collaboratively within large, international scientific teams.
• You communicate effectively in a scientific environment, including presenting and discussing research results.
• You can work independently while contributing to shared research objectives and collaborative projects.

• Final date to receive applications: 15/02/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)
• Ideal start date: 01/09/2026
• Contract duration:
  Typically 24 months contract. A small number of outstanding candidates will be offered a 36 month fellowship
• Weekly
  
  Working Hours:
  
  40
• Job flexibility:
  Fully Onsite
• Location:
  
  Geneva, Switzerland
• Job Reference: AGC-2026-RF1/CAT1-EP

• A monthly stipend between  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.

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. A few exceptions are possible annually.
• By the Final date to receive applications, you have a PhD (or will obtain it within six months), and no more than 6 years’ research experience after completion of your PhD degree.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
• You have a good knowledge of English or French.
• Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.
• Please ensure that your application is submitted under the field of work indicated in the position title, as Experimental Physics, Applied Science and Engineering and Theoretical Physics are separate recruitment processes. All open positions within the programme are available on the Research Fellowship Programme page.

• 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)
• A one‑page statement of research interests focusing on your plans for the research fellowship (maximum 4,000 characters).
• Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the Final date to receive applications) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements, indicating the professional relationship from the referee to you. After submitting your…