CERN Doctoral Student Funded Programme 2024

Now open for applications, the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2024 offers a unique opportunity to conduct your doctoral research at the cutting edge of scientific discovery. Spend up to 36 months working on your thesis in a dynamic environment, contributing to groundbreaking experiments and expanding your expertise in Applied Physics, Engineering, or Computing.
Join the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and be part of unprecedented research projects, collaborating with international experts in a one-of-a-kind setting.
You will have the opportunity to work in a diversity of fields at the cutting edge of technology: applied physics, IT, mathematics, electricity, electronics, mechanical or civil engineering, instrumentation for accelerators and particle physics experiments, materials science, radiation protection, safety and environmental protection, science communication, surveying, ultra-high vacuum are but a few of the examples of the many domains in which successful applicants will learn and contribute their knowledge.
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Benefits
During your studies, CERN will provide you with:
- A contract of association for 6 months initially, renewable up to 3 years.
- The total period (up to 36 months) may be spread over a maximum duration of four consecutive years to allow you to spend time at your university (for periods of up to 12 months, granted as unpaid special leave).
- An allowance of 3868 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
- A travel allowance.
- Depending on your personal circumstances, a supplement if you are married and/or have children.
- Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
- 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
Eligibility
In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
- You have started or are about to start a doctoral programme in a university.
- Your work envisaged at CERN is all or part of the thesis work required to obtain your PhD. The award of the degree remains the responsibility of your university. Academic arrangements will be discussed between your university thesis supervisor and your CERN supervisor.
- You have a good knowledge of English OR French.
How to Apply
You will need the following documents, in English or in French, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:
- A CV.
- A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal, please make sure there is no protection so that we can open it).
- A reference letter from a University Professor is mandatory. Should you have one from a previous internship, you may add this as a second reference.
You may upload the reference letter yourself, whilst submitting your application, or through your referee via the link you will receive shortly after submitting your application.