CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 applications are now open in Switzerland for highly motivated graduates. This prestigious fully funded program offers a duration of 2 to 3 years, giving participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading research organizations. There is no application fee, and students from CERN Member or Associate Member States are encouraged to apply.
The CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 welcomes candidates from diverse fields including Physics, Mechanical, IT, Software, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science, Data Sciences, and essential support services like HR, Legal, and Finance. Selected participants will receive full benefits such as travel expenses, living costs, family allowances, health insurance, paid leave, and an official work contract, making it a life-changing career opportunity.
Benefits
The QUEST Program Covers:
- Monthly stipend of 6,287 to 6,911 CHF (net).
- Health Insurance
- Installation Grant
- Family Allowances
- Travel Expenses
- 30 days of paid annual leave.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates from the CERN Member or Associate Member States can only apply.
- The members are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, Brazil, Croatia, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Ukraine. Cyprus.
- A Master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience after graduation.
- A PhD with no more than 3 years of professional experience after graduation.
- Additionally, you must have never previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
Areas of Interest
- Applied Physics
- Civil Engineering
- Data Science & Data Analytics
- Electrical or Electronics Engineering
- Experimental & Theoretical Physics
- Health, Safety & Environment
- International Relations
- Material and Surface Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering & IT
- Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, etc.)
How to Apply ?
Applying for the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 is simple. Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the CERN Careers Page
Go to the official CERN career portal: CERN Experienced Graduates. - Create Your Account
Sign up with your email to create a profile. If you already have an account, just log in. - Search for the QUEST Program
Type “CERN QUEST Program 2025-26” in the search bar and open the official listing. - Read the Full Details
Carefully go through the program description, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. - Prepare Your Documents
Make sure your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and any other required files are ready to upload. - Submit Your Application
Fill in the online form, attach your documents, and double-check everything before submitting. - Confirmation
Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Keep an eye on your inbox for further updates from CERN.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 is open to Master’s graduates with 2–6 years of experience or PhD holders with up to 3 years. It spans fields like engineering, physics, IT, and support services, offering hands-on, interdisciplinary projects. Check “experienced graduate” rules for details.
Who is eligible for the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
You’re eligible if you hold a Master’s degree with 2-6 years of professional experience after graduation, or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. This is for experienced graduates.
What fields are available under the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
QUEST positions are offered in many fields: Applied Physics; Civil Engineering; Data Science & Data Analytics; Electrical/Electronics Engineering; Experimental & Theoretical Physics; Health, Safety & Environment; International Relations; Materials/Surface Science; Mechanical Engineering; Software & IT; and Support Services.
What kind of work will participants do in the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
You’ll deepen technical knowledge and expertise by working at the cutting edge of science. That might involve scientific research, applied development, or supporting roles in large experiments. It’s hands-on, interdisciplinary and collaborative.
How does QUEST differ from the RESEARCH Fellowship Programme?
QUEST is for experienced graduates with Master’s or early-career PhDs in many fields, focused on projects and applied development. The RESEARCH Fellowship is for PhD holders (or soon-to-graduate) working on specific research topics, especially in theoretical or experimental physics.
What does an experienced graduate mean in the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
An “experienced graduate” in QUEST means someone who has already completed Master’s or PhD studies and has post-graduation professional experience — 2-6 years for Master’s graduates, or up to 3 years for PhD graduates
Do you need a PhD to apply for the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
No. You can apply with a Master’s degree plus 2-6 years of experience. A PhD is acceptable only if your PhD was completed and you have no more than 3 years of professional experience since graduation.
How often are new CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 opportunities posted?
New QUEST opportunities are published regularly throughout the year. Applicants are encouraged to check the available positions often, as openings are updated across multiple fields. This ensures that candidates can find roles best suited to their skills and interests.
What is the purpose of the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
The QUEST Program is designed to help graduates enhance knowledge and skills faster than most other environments. Through hands-on experience in science, engineering, IT, and support services, participants gain valuable exposure while contributing to global research.
Can applicants with more than six years of post-Master’s experience apply to the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26?
No, applicants with a Master’s degree and more than six years of professional experience do not qualify. The program is strictly limited to candidates with 2 to 6 years of experience, or PhD graduates who have no more than 3 years of professional experience.
Does the CERN QUEST Program 2025-26 include administrative and support service roles?
Yes, QUEST is not limited to science and engineering roles. It also covers support services like Finance, Human Resources, Legal, and Procurement. These positions are essential to CERN’s mission, giving participants the chance to contribute in diverse career areas.
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