CERN Doctoral Students Scholarhip Program

CERN Doctoral students for Next Generation Trigger Project (Member and Non-Member State) is an opportunity for doctoral students to work on a doctoral thesis in collaboration with CERN and their home university, in an environment where science, technology, and innovation meet. Responsibilities include conducting doctoral research at CERN and contributing to ongoing projects in applied physics, computing, engineering, or related technical fields, and presenting and documenting work for academic and research objectives.

The programme is aimed at applicants who are nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State and who are enrolled in a doctoral program in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline, having begun doctoral studies at the time of application. The applicant’s university must support participation by agreeing that the research conducted at CERN contributes to the PhD thesis, and the field must align with CERN’s research areas, including physics, engineering, computing, and related applied sciences. A good knowledge of English or French is required.

Support is provided through a contract that starts on the ideal start date and lasts from a contract duration of 12 to 36 months, with renewal up to 3 years. The contract may be spread over a maximum duration of 4 consecutive years to allow time at the university. Benefits include a tax-free monthly allowance, CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme, paid leave, and additional supplements and travel expenses depending on individual circumstances.

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• You have a good knowledge of English or French.
• Your university must support your participation in the programme, including agreement that the research you conduct at CERN will contribute to your PhD thesis.
• Your field of study must align with CERN’s research areas, including physics, engineering, computing, and related applied sciences.
• You must be enrolled in a doctoral program in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• You should have begun your doctoral studies at the time of application.
• Your field of study is in Applied Physics, Engineering, Computing, or a related area.

• A monthly allowance of 3907 Swiss Francs (tax free).
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
• Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
• Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
• A contract duration for 12 months, renewable up to 3 years, with possibility to spread over a maximum duration of 4 consecutive years to allow you to spend time at the university.

• Your CV (English or French).
• Any document you consider relevant to your application.
• An academic reference letter (optional).
• An academic transcript (optional).