How To Participate In CERN 2020 European Research Council Grants

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe.

Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Candidates for the grants may apply to be hosted by CERN in the fields of engineering as well as research and applied physics. Your research proposal should fit into CERN’s R&D programmes and be performed according to the work plan set out in the approved “ERC Grant Agreement”.

Benefits

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion. In return, CERN will provide you with:

• A CERN Staff Member contract for the corresponding duration of the ERC grant, up to a maximum of 5 years.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva.
• 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
• Access to formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

Eligibility

• Candidates of any nationality may apply to be hosted by CERN in the fields of engineering as well as research and applied physics. Your research proposal should fit into CERN’s R&D programmes.
• For the Starting Grant applications: 2-7 years of experience post-completion of PhD (or equivalent degree) and a scientific track record showing great promise.
• For the Consolidator Grant applications: more than 7 and up to 12 years of experience post-completion of PhD (or equivalent degree) and scientific track record showing great promise.​​​​​​

How To Apply

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

1. A CV

2. A list of your 10 most important publications or notes, indicating where you are a principal contributor or a co-author

3. Completed 5-page extended ERC Grant proposal summary (“synopsis” in the ERC procedure)

4. Three letters of recommendation

• You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially.

Prior to submitting your application under the CERN Staff vacancy notice, you must inform the CERN EU Project Office: EU.Projects@cern.ch as well as the CERN Department Head of your intention to apply.

Click Here To Apply

For more information, visit CERN Grants.

Application Deadline: Unspecified