About this opportunity
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory near Geneva. Founded in 1954, CERN has driven breakthroughs such as the discovery of the Higgs boson and the development of the World Wide Web. Its Short‑Term Internship program invites technically‑oriented and administrative students to spend up to six months working alongside scientists, engineers, and support staff on real projects. Interns receive a monthly stipend of 1,516 CHF, which comfortably covers Geneva’s high cost of living when combined with the organization’s on‑site accommodation options. The program runs year‑round, and successful candidates become part of a global network of former CERN interns who often continue into research, industry, or policy roles. Applicants can use Oppora’s CV Builder Studio and AI Cover Letter Generator to craft documents that match CERN’s expectations, and the Recommendation Letter Studio can help secure strong references from university supervisors.
Responsibilities
- Assist senior researchers or engineers in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of particle accelerators, detectors, or related instrumentation.
- Contribute to data‑analysis pipelines, software development, or simulation tasks using languages such as C++, Python, or ROOT.
- Support administrative units (e.g., Human Resources, Legal, Logistics) by preparing reports, managing documentation, or coordinating events.
- Participate in weekly team meetings, present progress updates, and document findings in internal reports.
- Follow CERN’s safety and security protocols, especially when working in high‑radiation or ultra‑high‑vacuum environments.
Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: 1,516 CHF to cover accommodation, meals, and local transport.
- World‑Class Mentorship: Direct guidance from leading physicists, engineers, and senior administrators.
- Access to Cutting‑Edge Facilities: Hands‑on work with the Large Hadron Collider, detector prototypes, and high‑performance computing clusters.
- International Network: Daily interaction with a multicultural community of researchers, fostering long‑term professional contacts.
- Career Development: Experience at CERN is highly regarded by academia and industry, enhancing future employment prospects.
- Living Support: CERN provides information on affordable housing options, public‑transport passes, and health insurance for interns.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Full‑time enrollment in a diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s program in a technical discipline (computing, mathematics, applied physics, electronics, mechanical, civil, materials science, radiation protection, instrumentation, etc.) or an administrative discipline (accounting, HR, legal services, secretarial work, librarianship, translation, logistics).
- Minimum age of 18 at the time of application.
- Proficiency in English and/or French.
- Ability to commit to an internship period of up to six months and to relocate to Geneva for the duration.
- Strong analytical or organizational skills, demonstrated through coursework, projects, or prior work experience.
- A well‑written CV and a reference letter from the current institute.
How to Apply
- Click the Apply button below to open the official CERN internship portal.
- Complete the online form, upload your PDF CV (English or French), a reference letter, and proof of enrollment.
- Review all entries and submit before the portal closes for your chosen availability period.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Switzerland to CERN's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
