Summary
CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is offering fully funded positions through its Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1. This programme invites enrolled PhD students from CERN Member or Associate Member States to carry out their doctoral thesis research on-site at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside world-class scientists and engineers.
Designation
- Doctoral Student / PhD Researcher
Quick Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Host Organization | European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) |
| Programme Name | Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 |
| Work Location | Geneva, Switzerland (Fully Onsite) |
| Stipend / Allowance | 3,907 CHF / month (net/tax-free) |
| Contract Duration | 12 to 36 months (renewable; spread up to 4 years max) |
| Ideal Start Date | April 1, 2027 |
| Working Hours | 40 hours/week (Full-time) |
| Application Deadline | October 16, 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time) |
Research Area
- Applied Physics
- Computing & Computer Science
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, etc.)
- Related Technical & Applied Science Disciplines
Location
- Geneva, Switzerland (CERN Headquarters)
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for this programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. (Note: Currently, applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, and Croatian nationals cannot be considered due to the Associate Membership Agreement quota ceiling).
- Academic Enrolment: Must be actively enrolled in a doctoral (PhD) program at a recognized university at the time of application and have already begun doctoral studies.
- University Endorsement: The home university must approve and support that the research conducted at CERN will directly contribute to your PhD thesis.
- Field Alignment: Field of study must align with CERN’s core research areas (Physics, Engineering, Computing, Applied Sciences).
- Language Proficiency: Good command of either English or French.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
Selected doctoral candidates receive a comprehensive financial and benefits package:
- Monthly Living Allowance: 3,907 CHF per month (tax-free).
- Leave & Holidays: 30 days of paid annual leave per year plus 2 weeks of annual CERN end-of-year closure.
- Health Insurance: Covered under CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution deducted directly from allowance).
- Family Supplement: Additional allowance depending on personal/family circumstances.
- Travel Support: Travel expenses to and from Geneva reimbursed at the start/end of the contract (subject to conditions).
- Duration & Flexibility: Initial contract of 12 months, renewable up to 36 months, with the possibility of spreading the contract over up to 4 consecutive years to allow time at the home university.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the CERN SmartRecruiters Job Portal.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or French.
- Academic Reference Letter(s) (optional but recommended).
- Academic Transcripts (optional but recommended).
- Any additional supporting documents relevant to your doctoral proposal.
Last Date for Apply
- October 16, 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time / CEST)
