Engineering

Scientific Associateship (Theoretical Physics) - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

Contract TypeOther

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.

* Full-time * Compensation: CHF 6,683 - CHF 9,465 - monthly

_._

**What you'll do:**

You will participate in CERN’s scientific programmes as an established and experienced scientist with an existing professional relationship with the Organization. You will make use of CERN’s research facilities to contribute to theoretical particle physics activities, within the framework of CERN’s role as a European and global scientific centre.

**Your responsibilities:**

* You carry out scientific activities in theoretical particle physics using CERN’s research environment. * You contribute to theoretical particle physics programmes and related research activities. * You engage with CERN theoretical physics teams and scientific programmes. * You bring your experience and expertise to theoretical research and scientific collaboration at CERN.

**Your profile:**

* You are an established and experienced scientist with a strong academic background in theoretical particle physics. * You are actively involved in research and/or advanced academic activities in your field. * You have an existing professional relationship with CERN or its theoretical physics programmes. * You…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • Carry out scientific activities in theoretical particle physics using CERN's research environment
  • Contribute to theoretical particle physics programmes and related research activities
  • Engage with CERN theoretical physics teams and scientific programmes
  • Bring experience and expertise to theoretical research and scientific collaboration at CERN

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Education: Strong academic background in theoretical particle physics
  • Experience: Established and experienced scientist actively involved in research and/or advanced academic activities in theoretical particle physics field
  • Languages: English, French
  • Key skills: Strong analytical and theoretical expertise, Ability to contribute effectively to advanced theoretical research and scientific collaboration, Work comfortably in an international and research-driven environment, Clear and professional communication in a scientific context
  • Eligibility: Must remain employed by home institute during appointment at CERN; must be below CERN retirement age by application deadline; existing professional relationship with CERN or its theoretical physics programmes required

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: up to 12 months.

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Theoretical Physics.

Position details

Reference
AGC-2026-2/SASS-TH
Last Verified
6 August 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Scientific Associateship (Theoretical Physics) at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is AGC-2026-2/SASS-TH. The role falls under the Engineering domain.

* Full-time * Compensation: CHF 6,683 - CHF 9,465 - monthly

_._

What you'll do:

You will participate in CERN’s scientific programmes as an established and experienced scientist with an existing professional relationship with the Organization. You will make use of CERN’s research facilities to contribute to theoretical particle physics activities, within the framework of CERN’s role as a European and global scientific centre.

Your responsibilities:

* You carry out scientific activities in theoretical particle physics using CERN’s research environment. * You contribute to theoretical particle physics programmes and related research activities. * You engage with CERN theoretical physics teams and scientific programmes. * You bring your experience and expertise to theoretical research and scientific collaboration at CERN.

Your profile:

* You are an established and experienced scientist with a strong academic background in theoretical particle physics. * You are actively involved in research and/or advanced academic activities in your field. * You have an existing professional relationship with CERN or its theoretical physics programmes. * You are interested in contributing to large-scale international scientific research activities.

Your skills:

* You demonstrate strong analytical and theoretical expertise. * You are able to contribute effectively to advanced theoretical research and scientific collaboration. * You work comfortably in an international and research-driven environment. * You communicate clearly and professionally in a scientific context, in English and/or French.

* Application Deadline: 01/09/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time) * Ideal start date: 01/02/2027 * Contract duration: up to 12 months * Weekly Working Hours: 40 * Job flexibility: Fully Onsite * Job Reference: AGC-2026-2/SASS-TH

Global Benefits

* A subsistence allowance between 6683-9465 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your experience. * 2,5 days per month of authorized absences provided your association contract lasts at least 4 months plus 2 weeks annual closure. * Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances. * Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances. * Possibility to extend your contract up to 24 months.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

* You remain employed by your home institute during your appointment at CERN. * By the application deadline, you must be below the CERN retirement age. * This VN is for Theoretical Physics. If instead your field is Experimental Physics please apply from the[Associates Programmes page](https://https//careers.cern/programmes/associate-programmes/). * 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)

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/)

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Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 3 August 2026, 2 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 6 August 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 Engineering field browse our Engineering 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 Engineering 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 officialEU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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