Theoretical Physicist (TH-SP-2026-68-LD) — CERN
- Location
- Geneva
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 117 days ago
Role overview
Introduction
You will join the talent pool for Limited Duration research positions within the CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH), bringing together pre-assessed and endorsed candidates for future hiring opportunities based on organisational needs.
As an outstanding researcher in theoretical particle physics, you will contribute to the development of new theoretical ideas aimed at understanding the fundamental constituents and forces of nature, while ensuring their relevance to CERN’s experimental programme and taking full advantage of the unique environment of a large international laboratory.
- Introduction
- You will join the talent pool for Limited Duration research positions within the CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH), bringing together pre-assessed and endorsed candidates for future hiring opportunities based on organisational needs.
Application process
- Knowledge and application of computational and mathematical physics
- Knowledge and application of particle physics, phenomenology
- Thorough knowledge of theoretical physics. Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
- Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
- Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position. Working Hours: 40 hours per week Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite Job grade: 6-7 Job reference: TH-SP-2026-68-LD Field of work: Theoretical Physics Benchmark Job Title: Theoretical Physicist Global Benefits
Company and context
- Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization. Technical competencies:
- Building relationships: understanding how individual differences bring added value to the Organization; promoting complementarities.
- Creating vision and strategic Partnerships: ensuring alignment to overall strategy when revising unit goals and priorities in the event of changing circumstances.
- Language skills: Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language. Eligibility and closing date:
- Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.
- Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. Employment Conditions
- Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years).
- A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
- 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
- Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
Additional details
- You will also contribute to CERN’s scientific culture through active participation in training programmes and the promotion of scientific events on site.
- PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Theoretical Physics or a related field.
- Demonstrated post-doctoral research activities which have led to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization. Technical competencies:
- Thorough knowledge of theoretical physics. Behavioural competencies:
- Language skills: Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language. Eligibility and closing date:
- Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. Employment Conditions
- Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position. Working Hours: 40 hours per week Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite Job reference: TH-SP-2026-68-LD Field of work: Theoretical Physics Benchmark Job Title: Theoretical Physicist
Notes and original content
- Experience:
- Evidence of ability to make significant contributions to the work of the Organization.
- Technical competencies:
- Thorough knowledge of theoretical physics.
- Behavioural competencies:
- Language skills: Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.
- Eligibility and closing date:
- Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.
- Employment Conditions
- Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Geneva. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
