Company Description

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. Find out more on https://home.cern.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

Job Description

Are you passionate about particle physics?

Do you have a flair for a phrase?

Do you want to work at the world’s leading particle-physics laboratory, communicating the latest developments in high-energy physics to a global audience?

CERN has an opening for a Project Graduate in the Community Engagement (CE) section, in the Education, Communications and Outreach (ECO) group in the International Relations (IR) sector to join the editorial team of the CERN Courier – the international magazine for high-energy physics established in 1959.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a background in particle physics who would like to build a career in science communication. Experienced science journalists with a physics background are also encouraged to apply.

CERN Courier magazine exists to serve the international community working in particle physics and adjacent fields by providing rigorous, accessible and impactful reporting on the latest developments in science, technology and policymaking.

As an associate editor, you will help to drive forward the Courier’s print and online presence as part of a small but dynamic team. Your core tasks will include:

• Liaising with the global high-energy physics community to keep the Courier at the forefront of developments in experimental and theoretical particle physics, accelerator physics, astroparticle physics and cosmology;
• Generating ideas, fact checking and proofreading;
• Commissioning and editing expert-authored feature articles;
• Interviewing leading physicists;
• Writing news, features and other articles;
• Curating the cerncourier.com website and managing social media;
• Taking responsibility for the timely production of several sections of the magazine;
• Liaising with publishing partners, partner institutions, authors and readers;
• Collaborating with colleagues across the IR-ECO group to support CERN’s communications objectives.

In addition to developing organisational, communication and editorial skills in an international research laboratory, the successful candidate will gain increased knowledge about high-energy physics, technology and international collaboration in a unique multicultural environment.

Qualifications/skills required

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a Master’s degree and between 2 and 6 years’ experience or a PhD and up to 3 years of relevant experience in Particle Physics, Science Communication or a related field.
• Kindly note that experience prior to the latest obtained degree will not be taken into account for the calculation of your overall years of experience.

Essential skills and experience:

• Research experience in high-energy physics or a closely related field;
• Experience in writing, editing and publishing, or the aptitude to rapidly develop these skills.
• Communicating complex topics with clarity, accuracy, concision and flair;
• Adapting your communication to the needs of different audiences;
• Knowledge of particle physics and research methodologies;
• The ability to write and edit fluently in English;
• Attention to detail and quality management;
• Service orientation;
• Empathy and active listening;
• Curiosity and independent research;
• Critical and creative thinking;
• Resilience, flexibility and adaptability;
• Time management and prioritisation;
• Motivation and self-awareness.

This vacancy is within the CERN Graduate Programme – Project Graduates (Quest).

The expected start date of the post is 01.04.2025.

The contract duration is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum.

Please send us your application by 30.01.2025.

For further details and to submit your application, please go to the International Relations CERN Graduate Programme pages.