CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 – CHF 3,907 Monthly Allowance

The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 allows eligible doctoral students to carry out research at CERN while contributing to their PhD thesis at their home university. The programme offers a monthly allowance of CHF 3,907, and applications must be submitted by 16/10/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time).

Quick Overview

Programme: Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1
Opportunity Type: Doctoral Student Programme
Host Organization: CERN
Programme Format: Full-Time, Fully Onsite
Contract Duration: 12 to 36 months
Ideal Start Date: 01/04/27
Monthly Allowance: CHF 3,907 tax-free
Deadline: 16/10/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

About the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1

The programme enables doctoral students to spend up to 36 months working on their doctoral thesis in collaboration with CERN and their home university.

Participants may contribute to ongoing projects in areas such as applied physics, computing, engineering, and related technical fields. Their research at CERN must form part of their PhD thesis.

Students also present and document their work as part of their academic and research objectives while working with scientists, engineers, and technicians in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

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Benefits and Financial Support

CERN confirms the following conditions and benefits for selected doctoral students:

✓ Monthly allowance of CHF 3,907, tax-free
✓ 30 days of paid leave per year
✓ Two weeks of annual closure
✓ Coverage under CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme, with the contribution deducted from the allowance
✓ Family supplement to the subsistence allowance, depending on individual circumstances
✓ Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on individual circumstances
✓ Initial 12-month contract renewable for up to three years

The programme may be spread across a maximum period of four consecutive years, allowing participants to spend time at their university.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions stated by CERN.

• Be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• Have a good knowledge of English or French.
• Be enrolled in a doctoral programme in a relevant field.
• Have already begun doctoral studies at the time of application.
• Study in an area such as physics, engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Obtain support from their university for participation in the programme.
• Ensure the research conducted at CERN will contribute to their PhD thesis.

CERN currently states that applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, and Croatian nationals cannot be considered because the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.

Academic and Research Profile

The programme is intended for doctoral students whose field aligns with CERN’s areas of research.

Relevant areas include:

• Applied Physics
• Engineering
• Computing
• Related technical and applied science fields

Applicants should have a solid theoretical foundation in their research area and an interest in practical applications.

CERN also lists curiosity, precision, proactive learning, good communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a multicultural team among the expected skills.

Check: CERN Short-Term Internship 2026 in Switzerland

Required Documents

Applicants need the following document to complete the application:

• CV in English or French

Candidates may also submit:

• Any document they consider relevant to the application
• Academic reference letter — optional
• Academic transcript — optional

Contract and Working Conditions

The CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 is a full-time and fully onsite programme.

Confirmed employment conditions include:

• Ideal start date: 01/04/27
• Weekly working hours: 40 hours
• Contract duration: 12 to 36 months
• Job flexibility: Fully onsite

The initial contract is for 12 months and may be renewed for up to three years.

Application Deadline

Applications for the CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 must be submitted by:

16/10/26 at 23:59 (Geneva time)

Applicants should ensure that they meet the doctoral enrolment, nationality, language, university-support, and research-field requirements before completing their application.

Official Link

Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.

View the Official CERN Doctoral Student Programme 2027-1 Page