Materials Engineer - Polymers and Composite - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Contribute to the development of novel polymer and composite materials for superconducting magnets, with particular emphasis on cryogenic operation, high-voltage insulation and radiation resistance
• Design and validate manufacturing and processing techniques for superconducting magnet insulation systems
• Contribute to laboratory developments by identifying material technologies and processing techniques, as well as establishing new experimental capabilities

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, or PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience in Material, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Experience: Professional background in Material, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related field; experience in material characterisation techniques such as mechanical, thermal or chemical analyses; experience in composite and/or polymer processing techniques
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Knowledge of materials science, Knowledge and application of material testing, Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, Knowledge of cryogenics technology (plus)
• Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State; have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before; must obtain medical clearance before contract offer is confirmed; valid driving licence required

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working arrangements: Hybrid.

Hiring unit: Polymer Laboratory within the Superconducting Magnet Technology section.

Position details

Reference

TE-MSC-SMT-2026-172-GRAP

Last Verified

2 November 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Materials Engineer - Polymers and Composite at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is TE-MSC-SMT-2026-172-GRAP. The role falls under the Research domain.

- Full-time - Compensation: CHF 6,372 - CHF 7,004 - monthly

Join CERN's Polymer Laboratory within the Superconducting Magnet Technology section and contribute to the development and qualification of advanced polymer and composite materials.

In this role, you will take part in the design, validation and implementation of innovative materials for high-field superconducting magnets.

Your responsibilities:

- Contribute to the development of novel polymer and composite materials for superconducting magnets, with particular emphasis on cryogenic operation, high-voltage insulation and radiation resistance. - Design and validate manufacturing and processing techniques for superconducting magnet insulation systems. - Contribute to the laboratory developments by identifying material technologies and processing techniques, as well as establishing new experimental capabilities.

Your profile:

- Experience in material characterisation techniques, such as mechanical, thermal or chemical analyses. - Experience in composite and/or polymer processing techniques. - Knowledge of superconducting magnet construction and technologies, or of materials for cryogenic, high-voltage or radiation environments, would be an asset.

Skills:

- Knowledge of materials science. - Knowledge and application of material testing. - Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. - Knowledge of cryogenics technology is a plus. - Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. - You have a professional background in Material, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering(or a related field) and have either: - a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience; - or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.

- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: 30.11.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-January-2027

This position involves:

- A valid driving licence. - Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. - Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction. - Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.

Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job reference: TE-MSC-SMT-2026-172-GRAP

Field of work: Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering

Benchmark job: 301180 - Material Science/Chemical Technical Engineer

Global Benefits

- A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree. - 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. - Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances. - A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances. - Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months. - On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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 can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!TAKE PART!

More information about us, here:careers.cern

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Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 2 November 2026, today.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 2 November 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.