Corresponding Associateship (Theoretical Physics)

What you'll do

You help keep abreast of developments in particle physics and related fields through scientific activities carried out within the CERN scientific environment. During your stay, you are on leave of absence from your home institute, pursue research or teaching-related scientific activities in your field of expertise, and contribute your experience and knowledge to the scientific life of the Organization.

Your responsibilities

• You carry out scientific work in theoretical particle physics or closely related fields.
• You follow and engage with current developments relevant to your area of theoretical research.
• You interact with researchers and scientific groups within the CERN theoretical physics community.
• You contribute to scientific discussions and exchanges during your stay.

Your profile

• You hold an advanced academic background in theoretical particle physics or a closely related discipline.
• You have solid experience in research and/or teaching in theoretical physics.
• You are actively engaged in scientific work in your field of expertise.
• You are interested in maintaining close links with the international theoretical physics community.

Your skills

• You demonstrate strong analytical and theoretical reasoning skills.
• You are able to engage in high-level scientific discussions and knowledge exchange.
• You work effectively in an international and collaborative research environment.
• You communicate clearly in a scientific context, in English and/or French.

• Application Deadline: 31/03/2026 at 23:59 (Geneva Time)
• Ideal start date: 01/07/2026
• Contract duration: up to 6 months
• Weekly Working Hours: 40
• Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
• Job Reference: AGC-2026-1/CASS-TH

Global Benefits

• A subsistence allowance of 4384 Swiss Francs per month (tax free).
• 2,5 days per month of authorized absences provided your association contract lasts at least 4 months plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Family supplement to subsistence allowance, depending on your individual circumstances.
• Travel expenses to Geneva upon joining CERN, depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 6 months for corresponding associate.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

• You have a good knowledge of English.
• You remain employed by your home institute during your appointment at CERN and your institute is located in a CERN Member or Associate Member State (except France, Italy, Germany and Great Britain).
• By the application deadline, you must be below the CERN retirement age.
• Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.
• Please ensure that your application is submitted under the field of work indicated in the position title, as Experimental Physics and Theoretical Physics are separate recruitment processes. All open positions within the associate programmes are available on the Associates Programmes page.

You will need these documents to complete your application

• Your CV (English or French)
• Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements (optional for the specific vacancy in Theoretical Physics).
• A list of the 10 most relevant publications indicating the personal contribution in 2-3 lines each (optional for the specific vacancy in Theoretical Physics).

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills c...