If you are a science or engineering graduate who has taken a career break and now wishes to return to your research career, the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship (PCB Fellowship) in Geneva, Switzerland, offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity. This program empowers professionals to reignite their scientific journey at one of the world’s leading research institutions, CERN—the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Basic Information About the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship
- Host Institution: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Fellowship Duration: 24 to 36 months
- Application Deadline: August 25, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Start Date: Earliest possible start date is January 1, 2025
- Application Fee: USD 39 registration fee
This CERN Post Career Break Fellowship is designed for experienced graduates with a solid academic background who have paused their careers due to personal reasons such as family responsibilities or health issues and are ready to return to scientific research.
About CERN — The Host Institution
CERN is the world’s leading laboratory for particle physics and fundamental research, located on the Franco–Swiss border near Geneva. It is famous for major scientific achievements including the discovery of the Higgs boson and for operating the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the most powerful particle accelerator in the world. CERN’s scientific community is a vibrant ecosystem of researchers, engineers, and technologists working on cutting-edge physics, innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary solutions.
Study and Research Areas Covered by the Fellowship
The PCB Fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds related to CERN’s core missions, including:
- Particle physics and experimental physics
- Theoretical physics
- Advanced computing and data science
- Quantum computing and technologies
- Sustainable and green accelerator technologies
- Engineering disciplines supporting CERN’s experiments
- Interdisciplinary science and technology innovation
Fellows engage in world-class research projects and have the opportunity to contribute to major physics experiments and develop innovative scientific tools.
CERN Post Career Break Fellowship Benefits: What You Receive
CERN offers an attractive and comprehensive benefits package for Post Career Break Fellows, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Between 6,194 and 6,808 Swiss Francs (net of tax)
- Employment Contract: Initial 24 months, extendable up to 36 months
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive healthcare scheme covering the fellow, spouse, and children
- Pension Fund Membership: Participation in the CERN pension scheme
- Paid Leave: 30 days of paid leave per year
- Family Allowances: Depending on personal circumstances
- Installation Allowance: To cover relocation costs
- Airfare Allowance: At the beginning and end of the fellowship
- Training: On-the-job formal training, in-house language courses (English and French)
- Research and Networking: Access to CERN’s global scientific network and state-of-the-art facilities
Benefits Not Included in the Fellowship
While CERN provides many benefits, some expenses are not covered:
- Personal travel beyond the specified airfare allowances
- Accommodation costs, which vary depending on location and lifestyle
- Daily living expenses beyond the monthly stipend
- Dependent care outside the family allowances framework
Candidates should plan accordingly for these additional costs.
Eligibility Criteria for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship
Applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Have taken a career break for at least 2 years for personal reasons (family, health, or caregiving responsibilities). Career breaks for unemployment or changing study fields are not counted.
- Hold at least an MSc degree with 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD with up to 3 years of post-PhD experience.
- For candidates applying in experimental or theoretical physics, a PhD with up to 6 years of research experience is required.
- Must not be current CERN staff members.
- Applicants must be nationals of CERN member or associate member states or meet CERN’s nationality eligibility rules.
- Pay a non-refundable registration fee of USD 39.
Required Documents for the Fellowship Application
To apply successfully, prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter detailing your experience, career break, and motivations, including how your skills relate to CERN’s research
- Scanned copy of your most recent academic degree or certificate
- Academic transcripts (if required)
- Proof of language proficiency in English, or proof that English was the medium of instruction
- Recommendation letters (if available)
- Copy of valid passport (photo and information page)
- Professional passport-sized photo with a white background (file size below 2 MB)
- Any additional documents relevant to special circumstances (e.g., medical certificates)
Step-by-Step Guide to the Fellowship Application Process
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required documents well ahead of time.
- Registration and Fee Payment: Pay the USD 39 registration fee as part of the application process.
- Online Application Submission: Complete the online application form on CERN’s official careers website, uploading all required documents.
- Recommendation Letters: If you don’t have letters ready, submit your referees’ contact details so CERN can request confidential recommendations.
- Application Review: CERN’s selection committee reviews applications after the August 25 deadline.
- Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or further assessments.
- Notification: Candidates will be notified of the results by late November 2025.
- Contract and Onboarding: Successful candidates will sign contracts and begin orientation for a January 2025 start or later.
Tips for a Successful CERN Post Career Break Fellowship Application
- Clearly Explain Your Career Break: Be honest and detailed about your reasons for your career break and how you stayed intellectually engaged.
- Align Your Research Interests: Show how your skills and experience align with CERN’s active research areas.
- Tailor Your Cover Letter: Use a personalized and compelling cover letter that maps your expertise to CERN’s scientific goals.
- Strong Recommendations: Secure up-to-date and detailed letters of recommendation from academics or professionals familiar with your work.
- Highlight Recent Learning: Demonstrate any recent training, courses, or relevant projects during your career break.
- Maintain Professionalism: Follow application instructions carefully, ensure documents are properly formatted, and meet submission deadlines.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Geneva, Switzerland
Living in Geneva can be costly, so it’s important to budget thoughtfully. Typical monthly expenses may include:
- Rent: CHF 1,200–2,000 (shared accommodation or small studio)
- Food and Groceries: CHF 400–600
- Transport: CHF 80–100 (public transport pass)
- Health Insurance (supplemental): CHF 100–200 (in addition to CERN’s health coverage)
- Utilities and Internet: CHF 100–150
- Miscellaneous (clothing, leisure): CHF 200–300
With the fellowship stipend (CHF 6,200+ per month), fellows can cover living costs comfortably while saving or investing in professional development.
Why Choose the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship?
- World-Leading Research Environment: Join a global hub for particle physics and interdisciplinary scientific discovery.
- Fully Funded Support: Financial stability with competitive stipends and comprehensive benefits.
- Career Rejuvenation: Tailored for professionals returning from career breaks, bridging gaps with cutting-edge science.
- Global Networking: Collaborate with over 2,500 scientists and engineers worldwide.
- Access to Unique Facilities: Work directly with advanced infrastructures such as the Large Hadron Collider.
- Language and Personal Development: Receive in-house language training and professional growth opportunities.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Join an inclusive community that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if my career break was less than two years?
A: No, a minimum of two years is required for the career break to qualify.
Q: Are citizens outside CERN member states eligible?
A: Mostly, applicants must be from CERN member or associate member states, but some exceptions exist.
Q: Is the fellowship part-time or full-time?
A: The program is primarily full-time employment for the contract duration.
Q: Do I need to speak French to apply?
A: French is not mandatory, but CERN offers language courses. English is the working language.
Q: Can I bring my family?
A: Yes, family allowances and health coverage extend to family members.
Q: What happens after the fellowship ends?
A: Fellows often continue research careers, many leading projects internationally, leveraging CERN’s global network.
Official Link:
This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship application with clarity and confidence. This prestigious fellowship is your gateway to re-entering a scientific career at a world-recognized research institute in beautiful Geneva, Switzerland.
Apply by August 25, 2025, and prepare to embark on a transformative research journey at CERN.