Research Fellowship (Experimental Physics)

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CERN’s Research Fellowship in Experimental Physics offers a chance to join one of CERN’s experimental physics groups and to develop and lead your own research programme at the frontier of particle physics, working in a collaborative international environment, analysing data, contributing to detector design and operations, and engaging in the interpretation of physics analyses as part of CERN’s vibrant community. Applicants should have a PhD (or be within six months) and no more than six years post PhD, be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State, and have no prior CERN fellowship; typical contracts are 24 months with a possible 36 month extension, onsite in Geneva with a generous stipend. Prepare CV, diploma copy, a one-page research statement (max 4000 characters), and three confidential letters of recommendation, and tailor your proposal to CERN facilities, demonstrating independence and strong collaboration and communication. Start date ideally 1 February 2027; deadline 1 September 2026.

Job Description

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 design, construction and/or operations, and engaging in the design, execution and interpretation of physics data analyses. You will also be part of CERN’s vibrant scientific community through seminars, workshops, training activities and collaborative projects.

Your key tasks

• 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.

Your profile

• 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.

Your skills

• 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.

Additional Information

• Application Deadline: 01/09/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)
• Ideal start date: 01/02/2027
• 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: EP-2026-1/Cat1

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 7004-7425 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.

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. A few exceptions are possible annually.
• By the application deadline, 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.
• Please note that CERN Staff members are note eligible to apply for a Fellowship.
• This Vacancy Notice is for Experimental Physics. If instead your field is Applied Science and Engineering, orTheoretical Physics. please consult open positions within the programme available on the Research Fellowship Programme page.
• 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 university (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
• A one-page statement of research interests highligthing your plans for the research fellowship (maximum 4,000 characters).
• Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements, indicating the professional relationship from the referee to you. After submitting your application, you will receive a submission link to forward to your referees; letters must be uploaded confidentially before the closing date (uploading letters yourself is possible but discouraged).