CERN Short-Term Internship

The CERN Short-Term Internship Programme gives students the opportunity to gain practical workplace experience at one of the world’s leading scientific organisations. Internships take place at CERN in Geneva and last between one and six months.

Interns join CERN teams and contribute to real activities connecting science, technology, engineering and organisational operations. Depending on their background and available placement, students may support experienced professionals, learn new tools and methods, contribute to supervised projects and collaborate with colleagues from different countries.

The programme is designed for students pursuing a technical or administrative diploma, Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree who remain enrolled as full-time students during the internship.

Current Short-Term Internship opportunities are shown across areas including:

• Administration
• Applied Physics
• Chemical, Materials & Process Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Data Science, AI & Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Facilities & Infrastructure Management
• Finance, Control & Audit
• Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability
• Human Resources
• Information Technologies
• Logistics & Transport
• Mechanical Engineering
• Procurement
• Technology Transfer & Innovation

CERN currently shows no Short-Term Internship openings in Experimental Physics, Theoretical Physics or Site Security under this vacancy.

The placement is fully onsite and is intended to help students apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting while developing practical, communication and teamwork skills.

• Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants must currently be pursuing a technical or administrative diploma, Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree.
• Applicants must remain enrolled as full-time students throughout the internship.
• Applicants should be studying in a technical, engineering or administrative field relevant to potential CERN activities.
• Applicants should be required or encouraged by their educational institution to undertake a practical training period.
• Applicants must have a good working knowledge of English or French.
• Applicants should have fundamental knowledge relevant to their field of study.
• Applicants should demonstrate curiosity, precision and a proactive approach to learning.
• Applicants should have good communication skills and be able to work effectively in a multicultural team.

• CHF 1,593 net monthly allowance.
• A practical CERN internship lasting 1–6 months.
• Paid leave entitlement for contracts lasting four months or longer.
• Hands-on experience working on real CERN activities and projects.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced CERN professionals.
• Experience within an international and multicultural working environment.
• Development of practical, technical and professional skills.
• CERN assistance with necessary visa and work-permit processes where applicable.

The current CERN vacancy officially requires:

• CV in English or French.
• Any additional document the applicant considers relevant to the application.

Applicants must also complete the required information in CERN’s online application form.

CERN does not publish a formal scoring system for the Short-Term Internship. The current vacancy highlights the following qualities and requirements:

• Relevant technical, engineering or administrative academic background.
• Fundamental knowledge in the applicant’s field of study.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Precision and attention to work.
• Proactive attitude towards learning.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Interest in practical, on-the-job learning.
• Suitability for available CERN projects and teams.
• Performance during an online interview, where one is required.

• Gain practical experience at one of the world’s leading scientific organisations.
• Apply academic knowledge to real workplace projects.
• Work alongside experienced scientific, technical and administrative professionals.
• Develop practical and professional skills beyond university study.
• Gain international and multicultural workplace exposure.
• Explore potential career paths in science, technology, engineering or administration.
• Strengthen your CV with recognised international experience.
• Build communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.