Research Fellowship: Theoretical Physics - 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:

• Conduct research in theoretical physics
• Develop innovative theoretical approaches and advance interpretation of experimental results
• Collaborate with theoretical and experimental physicists on particle physics and fundamental interactions research
• Develop and pursue own research interests within the Fellowship framework

Are you eligible?

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

• Education: PhD in theoretical physics or scheduled PhD defence before taking up appointment at CERN
• Experience: No more than six years of research experience after completing PhD; research experience aligned with CERN's Theory Department scientific activities
• Key skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in theoretical physics, Ability to work collaboratively within large, international scientific teams, Effective scientific communication including presenting and discussing research results, Ability to work independently while contributing to shared research objectives and collaborative projects
• Eligibility: CERN Staff members are not eligible to apply for a Fellowship

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite, Geneva, Switzerland.

Hiring unit: Theory Department.

Position details

Reference

TH-2026-1/Cat1

Last Verified

18 September 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Research Fellowship: Theoretical Physics at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is TH-2026-1/Cat1. The role falls under the Research domain.

- Full-time - Compensation: CHF 7,004 - CHF 7,425 - monthly

You will join one of CERN’s theoretical physics research groups, if selected for this Research Fellowship, to develop and lead your own research programme at the frontier of fundamental physics. You will work in a highly collaborative and international environment, contributing to the development of theoretical models, performing analytical and computational research, and advancing the understanding of particle physics and related fields.

You will also be part of CERN’s vibrant scientific community through seminars, workshops, training activities and collaborative projects.

Your key tasks

- You conduct research in theoretical physics. - You contribute to CERN’s theoretical physics programme by developing innovative theoretical approaches and advancing the interpretation of experimental results. - You collaborate with theoretical and experimental physicists on research related to particle physics and fundamental interactions. - You develop and pursue your own research interests within the framework of the Fellowship.

Your profile

- You hold a PhD in theoretical physics or have a scheduled PhD defence before taking up your appointment at CERN. - You have no more than six years of research experience after completing your PhD. - You have a strong background in theoretical particle physics or a closely related field. - You have research experience aligned with the scientific activities carried out within CERN’s Theory Department. - You are motivated to join a leading international research environment and contribute to high-impact scientific research. - You are eager to develop and pursue your own research interests within the Fellowship framework.

Your skills

- You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills in the context of theoretical physics. - You are able to work collaboratively within large, international scientific teams. - You communicate effectively in a scientific environment, including presenting and discussing research results. - You can work independently while contributing to shared research objectives and collaborative projects.

Application Deadline: 02.11.2026 at 23:59 CET

Ideal start date: 01.10.2027

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

Weekly Working Hours: 40

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Job Reference: TH-2026-1/Cat1

Global Benefits

- A monthly net stipend of either 7004 or 7425 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.

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

- By the application deadline, you have a PhD in theoretical physics (or the defense date is already scheduled). In any event, you should have finished your PhD studies by the time you take up your appointment at CERN. - By the start of your contract, you have no more than 6 years’ research experience after completion of your PhD degree. - Please note that CERN Staff members are not eligible to apply for a Fellowship. - This Vacancy Notice is for Theoretical Physics. If instead your field is Applied Science and Engineering, or Experimental Physics. please consult open positions within the programme available on theResearch Fellowship Programme page. - Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

- Your CV (English or French) - A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your university (if you don't yet have your paper diploma) - A statement of research interests highlighting your plans for the research fellowship. - Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline) outlining your academic and/or professional achievements, indicating the professional relationship from the referee to you. After submitting your application, you will receive a submission link to forward to your referees; letters must be uploaded confidentially before the closing date.

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Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 18 September 2026, 2 days ago.

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 18 September 2026 (2 days ago).

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.