CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 in Geneva, Switzerland

Applications are now open for the Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. This is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity offering a generous monthly allowance of up to CHF 3,907 (tax-free) along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, paid leave, and travel coverage. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Type: Full-time
• Monthly Compensation: up to CHF 3,907
• Application Deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct doctoral research in collaboration with CERN and your home university
• Contribute to projects in applied physics, computing, engineering, or related technical fields
• Present and document your research as part of your academic objectives
• Learn from and work alongside world-class scientists, engineers, and technicians
• Collaborate within an international and multidisciplinary team

Your Profile & Skills:

• Background in Applied Physics, Engineering, Computing, or a related area
• Solid theoretical foundation combined with interest in practical applications
• Motivation to develop research in a hands-on, collaborative, and innovative environment
• Curiosity, precision, and a proactive attitude toward learning
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team
• Genuine enthusiasm for teamwork and learning from others

Also Check: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program in Switzerland

Employment Details:

• Start Date: 1 April 2027 (Ideal)
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week
• Contract Duration: 12-36 months (renewable, can spread over maximum 4 consecutive years)
• Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Also Check: SSP 3-Year Doctoral Program at Kochi University of Technology (KUT)

What This Scholarship Offers:

Financial Support

• Monthly tax-free allowance of CHF 3,907
• Family supplement to your subsistence allowance (based on your personal circumstances)
• Covered travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN (depending on circumstances)
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage through CERN’s scheme (contribution included in allowance)

Time & Work Benefits

• 30 days of paid leave per year
• 2 weeks of annual closure (paid)
• Fully onsite position with structured 40-hour work weeks

Professional & Academic Development

• Opportunity to conduct 12-36 months of doctoral research at one of the world’s leading research organizations
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and technology
• Collaboration with world-class scientists, engineers, and technicians
• Mentorship from international experts across multiple disciplines
• Hands-on experience in applied research and practical applications
• Research contributions recognized in your PhD thesis

Career & Personal Growth

• Enhanced CV with CERN affiliation and international research experience
• Networking opportunities within a global scientific community
• Exposure to groundbreaking research shaping humanity’s understanding of physics
• Development of technical and soft skills in a multicultural environment
• Foundation for advanced careers in research, engineering, or technology sectors

Educational Flexibility

Recognition of your work at CERN as part of your formal PhD thesis requirements

Flexible contract structure allowing you to split time between CERN and your home university (over maximum 4 consecutive years)

Also Check: PhD, Research & Postdoc positions at ELLIS Institute and Tampere University

Eligibility Criteria:

You must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State
• Have good knowledge of English or French
• Be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in a relevant field (physics, engineering, computer science, or related discipline)
• Have already begun your doctoral studies at the time of application
• Have your university’s support confirming that your CERN research will contribute to your PhD thesis
• Your field of study must align with CERN’s research areas (physics, engineering, computing, applied sciences, etc.)

Also Check: Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027 – 2028

Required Application Documents:

• Your CV (in English or French)
• Any additional documents relevant to your application
• Academic reference letter (optional)
• Academic transcript (optional)

How to Apply:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the following documents before starting your application:

• CV (in English or French)
• Academic reference letter (optional but recommended)
• Academic transcript (optional but recommended)
• Any other documents you consider relevant to strengthen your application

Step 2: Ensure You Meet Requirements

Before applying, confirm that:

• You are from an eligible CERN Member or Associate Member State
• You are already enrolled in a doctoral program
• Your university will support your participation and confirm CERN research counts toward your PhD
• Your field of study aligns with CERN’s research areas

Step 3: Complete Your Application

• Visit the official CERN careers portal: careers.cern
• Search for “Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1”
• Complete the online application form with your personal information and academic background
• Upload all required and optional documents

Step 4: Submit

• Submit your complete application before the deadline: 16 October 2026 at 23:59 (Geneva time)
• Keep a copy of your application confirmation for your records

Also Check: OIST PhD Scholarship in Japan (Fully funded )