Legal Advisor (Health, Safety & Environment) (HSE-TS-2026-36-LD)

At CERN, the European Organisation 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. 

Introduction

Are you keen to work as a lawyer of one of the world’s leading scientific Intergovernmental Organisations? Come and join a unique environment whose core value is excellence, and whose defining characteristic is teamwork. CERN, take part!

You will provide legal support to the HSE Department, which, reporting to the Director-General, is responsible for the establishment, and interpretation of the Organisation's regulatory framework in matters of Safety, radiation protection, occupational medicine, fire and rescue services and monitoring of - and reporting on the environmental and radiological impact of the Organisation’s activities.

Functions

• Draft and review the Organisation's rules and policies in matters of health and safety and environmental protection.
• Advice and follow up on legal matters related to subjects falling within the mandate of the HSE Department and on strategic orientations of Safety at CERN.
• Provide legal support for HSE initiatives.
• Provide legal support to internal and external Safety committees, including those established following agreements with Host-States.
• Provide legal support in HSE matters to stakeholders.

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Law or a related field.

 

Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in legal and legal-drafting work, preferably acquired in an international environment.
• Experience with drafting of internal regulations represents an advantage.
• Experience with interpretation or implementation of EU and international regulations, in matters of health and safety or environmental protection (this includes the ability to understand and interpret regulations and standards in technical domains) would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of Environmental Law.
• Knowledge of Labour Law (including Health and Safety legislation).
• Knowledge of EU regulations.
• Drafting and writing of legal documents. 

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Working in Teams: understanding when teamwork is required to achieve the best results; including others accordingly and sharing information.

Language skills:

Spoken and written both English and French.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.03.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: HSE-TS-2026-36-LD

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark Job Title: Legal Adviser

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

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