Permanent Research Staff position at CERN-TH
The CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH) is seeking to fill a permanent research staff position. We are looking for outstanding researchers with internationally recognised leadership in any area of theoretical particle physics, broadly defined, but special attention will be paid to candidates active in lattice gauge theory. The position is devoted to full-time research. CERN-TH has substantial stable research funding at its disposal, systematically attracts a large number of top theorists on a range of positions, and has an active programme of visiting scientists and topical workshops.
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to its success.
Candidates can express their interest by applying here
A review of potential candidates will begin 1st May 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Nominations are also welcome and can be sent to th.ic.staffsearch@cern.ch
All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
LD (5+1 year) Staff Positions
The CERN Theoretical Physics Department (CERN-TH) is seeking candidates for Limited Duration (LD) research staff positions. We are looking for outstanding researchers in all areas of theoretical particle physics, broadly defined. The positions have a duration of 5 years (usually extended to a sixth year) and are devoted to full-time research. CERN-TH has substantial stable research funding at its disposal, systematically attracts a large number of top theorists in a range of positions, and has an active programme of visiting scientists and topical workshops.
Candidates can express their interest by applying here, providing a CV and a list of three names and e-mail addresses of references, which the Search Committee may contact. Nominations are also strongly encouraged and can be submitted via th.ld.staffsearch@cern.ch. All information about applicants, nominators and nominees will be treated in strictest confidence. CERN-TH has regular openings for LD staff positions and all applications, irrespectively of their submission dates, will be kept for a period of two years and considered in subsequent searches. For any enquiry regarding the positions, please contact th.ld.staffsearch@cern.ch.
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to its success.
Postdoctoral positions
The CERN-TH has openings for multiple CERN Fellowships (postdoctoral positions) each year. In summary:
Both for nationals from member states and nationals of other countries, non-member states, for fellowships starting in 2026, the deadline will be in Fall 2025. The more precise deadline date and the link to use to apply, will be provided to due time. Please consult this page regularly.
CERN-TH Fellowships are awarded for two years and normally extended to a third year.
Fellow contracts usually start in the autumn of a given year (October).
The CERN Theory Department also hosts other Fellows who are paid through external sources (Marie-Curie Fellows, Fellows supported by ERC grants, special national programmes, etc.). While it is possible to have such a fellowship and subsequently a CERN fellowship or vice versa, the total time spent as a fellow at CERN may not exceed three years.
Please keep in mind the early deadlines: almost every year we have a number of good but late applicants who cannot be considered. Unfortunately these deadlines lie beyond our control. While the CERN-wide fellowships also have openings with a March deadline, those openings do not include any theory fellowships.
Our offers (for member state postdocs) are usually sent out early, however CERN-TH has signed the agreement on the "Theoretical High Energy Physics Groups Common Deadline for Postdoc Offers" including the 2023 accord to postpone the deadline to Feb 15. This means that no postdoc is pressed to commit themself before Feb 15 of the following year.
We also encourage applications for European Postdoctoral Fellowships through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Interested researchers should apply here by June 15 for CERN as the host institution and, in case of questions, get in touch with Valerie Domcke.
Candidates of South Korean nationality are encouraged to apply for the CKC fellowship. For more information, contact the Korean Physical Society (office@kps.or.kr)