CERN’s Origin Programme offers recent university graduates international career opportunities with a CHF 5,266–5,793 monthly net stipend, health cover and paid leave.
The CERN Origin Programme is designed for recent university graduates looking to begin their careers in science, engineering, technology and administrative fields while working in an international research environment.
Participants can gain hands-on experience alongside CERN teams, contribute to scientific and technical projects, and develop skills relevant to both industry and academia.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CERN |
| Programme | Early Career Professionals Programme – Origin |
| Target group | Recent university graduates |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree |
| PhD eligibility | Not eligible |
| Professional experience | Maximum 2 years since graduation |
| Eligible nationality | CERN Member or Associate Member State, subject to stated restrictions |
| Monthly net stipend | CHF 5,266 or CHF 5,793 |
| Contract | 6–24 months |
| Possible extension | Up to 36 months |
| Paid leave | 30 days per year + 2 weeks during CERN annual closure |
| Application language | English or French |
| Application deadline | Varies by position |
What Is the CERN Origin Programme?
CERN’s Origin Programme provides an entry point into careers connected to particle physics, research, engineering, computing, administration and other areas supporting CERN’s work.
Recent graduates can work with international teams and gain practical experience on projects involving advanced scientific and technological activities.
Fields of Work
The programme covers a broad range of disciplines, including:
Applied Physics, Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Communication & Stakeholder Engagement, Data Science, AI & Analytics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Experimental Physics, Facilities & Infrastructure Management, Finance, Control & Audit, Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, Human Resources, Information Technologies, Logistics & Transport, Mechanical Engineering, Procurement, Site Security, Technology Transfer & Innovation, and Theoretical Physics.
Current Entry-Level Opportunities
The source lists openings in areas including:
- Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Finance, Control & Audit
- Information Technologies
- Logistics & Transport
- Mechanical Engineering
Examples include software development, IT support, DevOps, engineering, project planning and supply-chain related opportunities.
Availability varies by field, and CERN encourages candidates to create job alerts for areas without current vacancies.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements by the application deadline.
Candidates must:
- Be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
- Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as their highest qualification.
- Have no more than two years of professional experience since graduation in the relevant field.
- Have a university degree.
- Not hold a PhD.
- Never have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
CERN also states that applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish nationals currently cannot be considered because the ceiling under the applicable associate membership arrangements has been reached.
Applicants should also check the specific requirements of each advertised position.
Salary and Benefits
The Origin Programme offers a monthly net stipend of CHF 5,266 or CHF 5,793, depending on the candidate’s degree.
Other benefits listed by CERN include:
Health insurance: Coverage under CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme for the participant, partner and children.
Pension: Contribution to the CERN Pension Fund.
Relocation support: Depending on individual circumstances, participants may receive an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances, as well as travel expenses to Geneva when joining CERN.
Paid leave: 30 days of paid leave each year, in addition to two weeks during CERN’s annual closure.
Training: On-the-job and formal training, including language classes.
Contract Duration
The contract normally lasts 6 to 24 months, with the possibility of an extension to a maximum of 36 months.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their applications online before the deadline shown on the specific vacancy.
The application should include:
- A CV in English or French.
- A copy of the diploma.
- A certificate of achievement from the university if the final diploma has not yet been issued.
- Completion of the online application.
CERN reviews applications and may invite shortlisted candidates to an online interview with hiring managers.
Successful candidates receive an offer followed by onboarding.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The CERN Origin Programme stands out for recent graduates seeking an international start to their careers in engineering, IT, data, physics, finance, logistics and other technical or administrative fields.
The stated monthly net stipend, health coverage, paid leave and training make it a significant early-career opportunity. However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility rules and the requirements of each individual vacancy.
Application Deadline
CERN does not provide one universal deadline for all Origin Programme opportunities on the supplied page.
The deadline depends on the individual position, so applicants should check the specific vacancy before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through CERN’s official careers platform.
View CERN Origin Programme and Open Positions – Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CERN Origin Programme?
It is an early-career programme for recent university graduates who want to gain professional experience at CERN in scientific, technical, engineering and administrative areas.
How much does CERN pay graduates in the Origin Programme?
The programme offers a monthly net stipend of CHF 5,266 or CHF 5,793, depending on the degree.
Can someone with a PhD apply?
No. CERN states that applicants for the Origin Programme cannot hold a PhD.
How much professional experience can applicants have?
Applicants can have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field.
What degree is required?
The highest educational qualification must be a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
How long is the contract?
Contracts last between 6 and 24 months, with a possibility of extension up to 36 months.
Does CERN provide health insurance?
Yes. CERN states that participants are covered by its comprehensive health insurance scheme, including coverage for a partner and children.
Are graduates from all countries eligible?
No. Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State and must also meet CERN’s current nationality restrictions.
What documents are required?
Candidates need a CV in English or French and a copy of their diploma or a certificate of achievement if the diploma is not yet available.
Where can applicants find current vacancies?
Current Origin Programme vacancies are listed on CERN’s careers website, where applicants can also create alerts for specific fields.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with CERN and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Applicants should verify the latest vacancy requirements, deadlines and eligibility conditions on the official CERN careers website before applying.
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