CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3 is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. You will spend up to 36 months working on your thesis in a unique environment where science, technology and innovation meet, gaining experience at the forefront of research and engineering alongside an international community of experts.
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, pushes the frontiers of science and technology. Its groundbreaking work brings together physicists and diverse professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe.
Benefits of CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3
- 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. This means that your university should agree that the research you conduct at CERN will contribute to your PhD thesis. Additionally, your field of study should align with CERN’s research areas, including, but not limited to, 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.
How to Apply for CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3?
- Your CV (English or French)
- Any document you consider relevant to your application
- An academic reference letter (optional)
- An academic transcript (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the application deadline for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3?
The application deadline is 30/06/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time).
What are the eligibility criteria for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3?
You must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, have good English or French, be enrolled in a relevant doctoral program with university support, and your field must align with CERN’s research areas.
What are the financial benefits of the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3?
Benefits include a monthly tax-free allowance of 3907 CHF, 30 days paid leave plus annual closure, comprehensive health insurance, possible family supplement and travel expenses, and a renewable contract up to 3-4 years.
What is the duration of the CERN Doctoral Student contract?
The contract duration is 12 months, renewable up to 3 years, with possibility to spread over a maximum of 4 consecutive years to allow time at the university.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include your CV (English or French), any relevant documents, and optional academic reference letter and transcript.
What is the ideal start date for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2026-3?
The ideal start date is 01/1/27.
What fields of study are eligible?
Eligible fields include applied physics, engineering, computing, or related areas such as physics, engineering, computer science, and related applied sciences.
Is the programme fully onsite?
Yes, the job flexibility is listed as Fully Onsite.
What is the weekly working time?
The weekly working hours are 40.
Where is the programme located?
The programme is located in Meyrin, Switzerland.
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