CERN offers a wide range of training and career development programmes for students, graduates, and professionals from CERN member and associate member states, including the UK.
Not sure which scheme suits you best? Find Your Pathway on the CERN site.
Opportunities for students
Summer Student Programme
This Summer Student Programme is open to Bachelor’s or Master’s students in the following subjects:
- physics
- engineering
- computer science
- mathematics
You must have completed at least three years of full-time undergraduate-level study by the summer when the school starts.
This eight to 13 week summer placement includes:
- hands-on project work
- lectures
- facility tours
- networking with CERN experts
Applications typically open in winter for the following summer.
Technical Student Programme
The Technical Student Programme is open to Bachelor’s or Master’s students in the following subjects:
- engineering
- computing
- applied physics
You must:
- be enrolled full-time at a higher education institution (including universities, technical colleges, and vocational programmes).
- have completed at least 18 months of studies
Placements last four to 12 months, with a preference for those available for a full year.
Administrative Student Programme
The Administrative Student Programme is open to Bachelor’s or Master’s students specialising in fields including:
- translation
- human resources
- advanced secretarial work
- business administration
- logistics
- law
- finance
- accounting
- library and information science
- engineering management
- science communication
- education
- audiovisual, communication and public relations
- psychology
- audit
You must have completed at least 18 months of studies.
Placements range from two to 12 months.
Opportunities for recent graduates, postgraduates and early career professionals
Doctoral Student Programme
The Doctoral Student Programme is open to PhD students who are either currently enrolled in, or about to begin, a doctoral programme at a university in a technical field, for example:
- engineering
- materials science
- mathematics
- applied physics
You must be working to complete your thesis while working at CERN for six to 36 months.
The work you plan to undertake at CERN will constitute all or part of the research required for your PhD thesis. The awarding of your degree remains the sole responsibility of your university. Academic coordination, including supervision and evaluation, will be arranged between your university thesis supervisor and your CERN supervisor.
This is not open to students in theoretical or experimental particle physics.
UK students on attachment at CERN
There are many STFC-funded UK doctoral students on long term attachment working on experiments at CERN. Students on long term attachment are also exposed to a wealth of opportunities and exciting experiences during their time based at CERN.
Please contact the appropriate university to find out more about these studentships opportunities.
ORIGIN Programme
The ORIGIN Programme is an entry level opportunity that is open to recent graduates from universities, technical colleges, and vocational programmes who have no more than two years of post-graduation experience.
Applications are open year-round in a variety of disciplines.
QUEST Programme
The QUEST Programme is open to graduates with either of the following:
- a Master’s degree and two to six years of post-graduation experience
- a PhD with up to three years of experience
The programme offers fixed-term, project-based work that builds skills, international experience, and networks. Applications are open year-round in a variety of disciplines.
Research Fellowship Programme
The Research Fellowship Programme is open to research graduates, who have graduated, or are about to graduate, with a PhD and have either up to:
- three years of post-graduation professional experience in applied science and engineering positions
- up to six years post-graduation professional experience in theoretical and experimental physics positions
Staff positions
CERN recruits experienced professionals into staff roles across fields including:
- engineering
- computing
- physics support
- operations
- administration
Most staff appointments are for an initial contract of up to five years, with the potential for renewal. Find out more about CERN’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package.
How to apply
All opportunities are listed on the CERN careers portal. Visit the site to check eligibility, application deadlines, and available roles.
For advice on what CERN are looking for, have a look at these top tips.
Last updated: 5 December 2025