Research

Experimental Physicist - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

Contract Type Contract Agent

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

At [CERN](http://home.cern/), the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

**Introduction:**

You will be part of the Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research. This Department aims at providing a stimulating scientific atmosphere and remains an important reference centre for the European physics community.

**Functions:**

* Contribute to particle physics experiment projects at CERN. * Participate in the design and development of experiments and detectors. * Support the operation and performance of detector systems. * Analyse experimental data and contribute to physics results. * Collaborate with international teams and document results.

* PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.

**Experience:**

* You are towards the beginning of your career, but have already demonstrated some years of post-doctoral experience in experimental particle physics. * Experience in data analysis and online/offline software. * Demonstrated competence in detector hardware and experimental instrumentation.

**Technical competencies:**

* Knowledge and application of electromagnetic radiation propagation and interaction with matter. * Physics analysis and experimental particle physics. * Particle detectors and interaction of particles with matter.

**Behavioural competencies:**

* Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information. * Building Relationships: relating well to all people regardless of category/level within the Organisation. * Working in the Interest of the Organisation: actively promoting safety and encouraging others to do the same; respecting safety rules and procedures.

**Language skills:**

* Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

You will be required the following documents for your application (to be uploaded as PDF files):

* Your CV (English or French). * A copy of your PhD Degree. * A list of up to ten most-important publications indicating where you have been a principal contributor or co-author, indicating your contribution to each publication in a couple of lines. * A one-page cover letter, giving your motivation in applying for this position. * A research statement (of maximum two pages), including research interests and plans in the context of CERN's scientific programme. * Any document you consider relevant to your application.

**Eligibility and closing date:**

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than **06.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.**

**Employment Conditions:**

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

* Work in Radiation Areas. * Interventions in underground installations. * Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DI-2026-29-LD

Field of work: Experimental Physics

Benchmark Job Title: Research Physicist

**Global Benefits**

* A [competitive salary](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience. * 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. * Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

**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!**

**More information about us, here:**[**careers.cern**](https://careers.cern/)

Position details

Reference
EP-DI-2026-29-LD
Last Verified
23 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Experimental Physicist at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is EP-DI-2026-29-LD. The role falls under the Research domain.

At [CERN](http://home.cern/), the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Introduction:

You will be part of the Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research. This Department aims at providing a stimulating scientific atmosphere and remains an important reference centre for the European physics community.

Functions:

* Contribute to particle physics experiment projects at CERN. * Participate in the design and development of experiments and detectors. * Support the operation and performance of detector systems. * Analyse experimental data and contribute to physics results. * Collaborate with international teams and document results.

* PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.

Experience:

* You are towards the beginning of your career, but have already demonstrated some years of post-doctoral experience in experimental particle physics. * Experience in data analysis and online/offline software. * Demonstrated competence in detector hardware and experimental instrumentation.

Technical competencies:

* Knowledge and application of electromagnetic radiation propagation and interaction with matter. * Physics analysis and experimental particle physics. * Particle detectors and interaction of particles with matter.

Behavioural competencies:

* Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information. * Building Relationships: relating well to all people regardless of category/level within the Organisation. * Working in the Interest of the Organisation: actively promoting safety and encouraging others to do the same; respecting safety rules and procedures.

Language skills:

* Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

You will be required the following documents for your application (to be uploaded as PDF files):

* Your CV (English or French). * A copy of your PhD Degree. * A list of up to ten most-important publications indicating where you have been a principal contributor or co-author, indicating your contribution to each publication in a couple of lines. * A one-page cover letter, giving your motivation in applying for this position. * A research statement (of maximum two pages), including research interests and plans in the context of CERN's scientific programme. * Any document you consider relevant to your application.

Eligibility and closing date:

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 06.09.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

* Work in Radiation Areas. * Interventions in underground installations. * Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-DI-2026-29-LD

Field of work: Experimental Physics

Benchmark Job Title: Research Physicist

Global Benefits

* A [competitive salary](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience. * 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. * Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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!

More information about us, here:[careers.cern](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 20 July 2026, 3 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 23 July 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at CERN, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

CERN has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and Research signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the official EU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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