CERN Doctoral Student Programme for PhD Students at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland.

CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027 in Switzerland

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The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027 invites applications from doctoral students in applied physics, engineering, computing and related technical fields. The paid doctoral programme is based at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, and allows selected students to work on their PhD research in collaboration with CERN and their home university. The programme can last up to 36 months and provides a monthly allowance of CHF 3,907, tax-free. Applications must be submitted by October 16, 2026, at 23:59 Geneva time.

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, provides research and training opportunities for students and researchers working in science, engineering and computing. Its doctoral student programme is designed for students who have already started a relevant PhD and whose university agrees that the research conducted at CERN will contribute to their doctoral thesis. CERN’s training programmes cover fields including applied physics, engineering and computing.

CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027 Details

  • Host organization: CERN
  • Location: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Programme: Doctoral Student Programme 2027
  • Degree level: PhD / Doctoral
  • Fields: Applied Physics, Engineering, Computing and related fields
  • Duration: 12 to 36 months
  • Start date: April 1, 2027
  • Working hours: 40 hours per week
  • Work arrangement: Fully on-site
  • Deadline: October 16, 2026
  • Language: English or French

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CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027 Benefits

  • International environment: Opportunity to work alongside scientists, engineers and technicians in a multicultural research environment.
  • Monthly allowance: CHF 3,907, tax-free.
  • Paid leave: 30 days of paid leave per year.
  • Annual closure: Two additional weeks during CERN’s annual closure.
  • Health insurance: Coverage through CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme.
  • Family support: Family supplement to the subsistence allowance, depending on individual circumstances.
  • Travel support: Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on individual circumstances.
  • Contract duration: Initial 12-month contract, renewable up to three years.
  • University flexibility: The programme can be spread over a maximum of four consecutive years, allowing students to spend time at their home university.
  • Research experience: Opportunity to conduct doctoral research in collaboration with CERN and the home university.

Also Check: Cambridge ERA Fellowship 2027 in UK

What Will Doctoral Students Do at CERN?

Selected students will conduct doctoral research in cooperation with CERN and their home university. Their work can contribute to ongoing research and technical projects in applied physics, computing, engineering and related areas.

Students will be expected to:

  • Conduct research for their doctoral thesis.
  • Contribute to CERN research and engineering projects.
  • Present and document their research work.
  • Work with scientists, engineers and technicians.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical research problems.
  • Work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet CERN’s nationality and academic requirements. They must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.

Applicants must also:

  • Be enrolled in a relevant doctoral programme.
  • Have started their doctoral studies when applying.
  • Study physics, engineering, computer science or a related discipline.
  • Have university support for participation in the programme.
  • Ensure their CERN research contributes to their PhD thesis.
  • Have a good knowledge of English or French.
  • Have a research field aligned with CERN’s areas of work.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

  • CV in English or French
  • Relevant supporting documents
  • Academic reference letter, optional
  • Academic transcript, optional

CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027 Application Deadline

The application deadline for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 is October 16, 2026, at 23:59 Geneva time. The planned start date is April 1, 2027. Applicants should review the nationality and doctoral enrolment requirements before submitting an application.


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