The CERN Doctoral Student Programme offers a unique chance to work on your PhD thesis while spending up to 36 months at the forefront of scientific research. CERN is the world’s leading center for nuclear research, where physicists and engineers explore the fundamental structure of the universe. This program invites doctoral students in Applied Physics, Engineering, or Computing to gain hands-on experience by contributing to large-scale experiments and cutting-edge technology development.
Students will have the opportunity to work in many exciting fields such as applied physics, IT, mathematics, electronics, mechanical and civil engineering, materials science, radiation protection, environmental safety, science communication, and more. This is a rare chance to collaborate with top scientists and engineers in an international environment that is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
You must be currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a university, and your work at CERN must be part of your thesis project. CERN provides academic supervision in coordination with your university advisor, but the degree will be awarded by your home university. Note that students focusing on theoretical or experimental particle physics are not eligible to apply.
Quick Overview of the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2025
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Institution: CERN, Geneva
- Deadline: August 11, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Duration: Up to 36 months (renewable yearly, max 3 years)
- Field: Applied Physics, Engineering, Computing, and related disciplines
- Monthly Stipend: 3,891 Swiss Francs (net of tax)
- Eligibility: National of CERN Member or Associate Member State; enrolled in a doctoral program; good knowledge of English or French
Perks of Doctoral Student Programme CERN
- Contract of association initially for 12 months, renewable yearly up to 3 years
- Monthly stipend of 3,891 Swiss Francs, tax-free
- Travel allowance for work-related trips
- Possible supplement for married candidates and/or those with children
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage (deducted from allowance)
- 2.5 days of paid leave per month
- Exposure to world-class scientific research and advanced technology
- Opportunity to work alongside international experts
- Access to CERN’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources
Benefits of PhD Research Opportunity
- Enhance your PhD research with practical experience at a globally renowned research center
- Strengthen your academic profile with cutting-edge technical and scientific skills
- Build international networks and collaborations for future career growth
- Gain insights into large-scale experimental physics and engineering projects
- Increase your chances of postdoctoral and academic opportunities worldwide
- Benefit from an interdisciplinary and multicultural work environment
- Improve your communication and project management skills through exposure to science communication and outreach programs
Exclusions of the CERN Doctoral Student Programme
- Tuition fees or any university-related costs are not covered by CERN
- The maximum 3-year contract duration is not a limit for PhD completion, but only for the CERN contract
- Students specializing in theoretical or experimental particle physics cannot apply
- CERN will not sign external traineeship agreements; candidates must use CERN’s own agreement
- The program requires that students remain enrolled full-time at their university
- Costs related to family dependents are not covered
Eligibility Criteria of Doctoral Student Programme in Switzerland
- National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
- Currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a university
- Work at CERN must be part of the thesis research supervised by both university and CERN advisors
- Good command of English or French language
- Must not specialize exclusively in theoretical or experimental particle physics
Important Dates of PhD Student Program for International Students
- Application Deadline: August 11, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Selection Process: August to November 2025
- Outcome Announcement: End of November 2025
How to Apply to this Paid Opportunity for PhD Students
- Please prepare your CV in either English or French (in PDF format).
- Optional: Prepare academic transcripts and reference letters to support your application.
- Submit your application online before the deadline.
- You may mention any specific doctoral project of interest in the “note to hiring manager” section.
- If your university requires a traineeship agreement, use the CERN agreement provided by CERN.
- Be prepared for possible phone or video interviews during the review period.
Required Documents for CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2025
- CV in English or French (PDF)
- Academic transcripts (recommended)
- Reference letters (recommended)
- Additional documents as per your university or project requirements
For more details and to apply, visit the official CERN Careers page.
