Have you taken a break from your scientific or engineering career and want to return? The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva is offering an excellent opportunity through its Post Career Break Fellowship Programme. This fellowship provides full-time or part-time contracts for up to three years, enabling talented graduates and researchers to update their skills and re-enter science in one of the world’s most advanced research environments.
Job Summary :
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Post Career Break Fellowship |
| Organization/Publisher | CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research |
| Work Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Research Field | Science & Engineering (including physics, computing, engineering, applied sciences) |
| Funding Info | CERN Fellowship Programme |
| Application Deadline | 7 September 2025 (midnight CEST) |
| Posted Date | August 2025 |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Researcher Profile | Experienced Graduate / Research Fellow (depending on qualification) |
| Apply Button | Apply at CERN Careers |
| Required Qualification | MSc (2–6 yrs experience) or PhD (up to 3 yrs for general fields; up to 6 yrs for physics) |
| Required Experience | Career break of at least 2 years for personal reasons (family, health, caring responsibilities) |
| Salary Details | CHF 6287 – 6911/month (net of tax) + CERN benefits |
About the Fellowship
The Post Career Break Fellowship is designed for science and engineering graduates who have taken a minimum two-year career break for personal reasons such as family, health, or caring responsibilities. It is not intended for candidates who have been unemployed or switched fields but rather for those who genuinely paused their scientific career and now want to return.
CERN offers fellows a chance to:
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Work in an international, multicultural environment at the forefront of research.
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Update skills and knowledge in science, engineering, or physics.
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Gain exposure to cutting-edge projects linked to CERN’s diverse scientific programme.
Candidate Profile
Eligibility Requirements:
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Career break of at least two years for personal reasons.
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Experienced Graduate Profile: MSc + 2–6 years’ experience, or PhD with up to 3 years’ relevant experience.
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Research Fellowship Profile (Physics only): PhD with up to 6 years’ post-PhD experience.
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Nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States.
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CERN Staff members are not eligible.
Desirable Qualities:
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Strong motivation to return to scientific research.
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Ability to align research interests with CERN’s diverse activities.
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International and collaborative mindset.
Employment Conditions
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Contract duration: 24 months, extendable up to 36 months.
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Working arrangements: Full-time or part-time possible.
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Stipend: CHF 6,287 – 6,911/month (net of tax).
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Benefits:
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CERN Health Insurance (family included).
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CERN Pension Fund membership.
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Installation grant + travel expenses covered.
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Family, child, and infant allowances (where applicable).
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30 days of paid leave annually.
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On-the-job and formal training, plus English/French language courses.
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How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents via CERN’s online application portal:
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CV.
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Cover letter explaining experience, career break, and alignment with CERN’s activities.
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Scanned PDF of most recent relevant qualification.
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Deadline: 7 September 2025 (midnight CEST).
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Earliest start date: 1 January 2026.
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Apply here: CERN Careers – Post Career Break Fellowship
Official Reference
🔗 CERN Official Post Career Break Fellowship Call
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article provides a summary of the official job advertisement published by CERN. For full details on eligibility, application requirements, and conditions, please consult the official CERN website.