Radiation Protection Physicist (HSE-RP-AS-2026-61-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

As a Radiation Protection Physicist in the RP Accelerators and Sites (RP-AS) Section, you will assess and enforce compliance of CERN’s activities with Radiation Protection regulations. It entails projects, studies and services aimed at protecting people and the environment from ionising radiation, specifically in the context of studies carried out for the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

Functions

• Perform studies and contribute to design optimisations in collaboration with other groups for the FCC Project.
• Monitor project developments with an emphasis on radiation protection for the public and the environment.
• Calculate doses to members of the public using established environmental and radiological models.
• Lead or participate in RP research and development, particularly the development, use and maintenance of models, computer codes, state-of-the-art tools and methods for radiological environmental impact assessments for the FCC Project.
• Produce, contribute to, or edit legal, technical and scientific documentation, including rules, specifications, reports, notes, international publications and presentations for internal and external use.
• Provide expertise to CERN's departments and management on radiation protection and radiological environmental aspects of the design, operation and maintenance of future accelerators and experiments.
• Present assessments to host state authorities in the framework of the Tripartite agreement.
• Supervise or coordinate the work of postdocs and students.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or Nuclear Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Solid foundation in nuclear and/or radiation physics.
• Proven experience in radiological environmental impact assessments, or the ability to master the subject rapidly.
• Familiarity with the radiation protection framework recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).
• Proficiency in C++ or Python, or the capacity to quickly acquire expertise in the other language.
• Experience with high-performance computing and working with Linux is advantageous.
• Experience with Monte-Carlo particle transport codes and/or codes for assessing the environmental impact of radiation is advantageous.

Technical competencies:

• Environmental protection - assessment of radiation environments i.e. calculation of external doses to members of the public from prompt radiation and induced radioactivity around high-energy accelerators.
• Knowledge and application of instrumentation and measurement techniques (i.e. for ionising radiation).
• Knowledge of dosimetry in mixed radiation fields.
• Study of radiation protection design.
• Knowledge of regulatory framework and best practice in radiation protection, in particular environmental radiation protection and knowledge of national radiation protection legislation and/or relevant European regulations.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• 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.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn 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 14.04.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: HSE-RP-AS-2026-61-LD

Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment

Benchmark Job Title: Radiation Protection Physicist

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