Job Description

Your responsibilities

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 (http://cerncourier.com/p/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.

More information here: https://international-relations.web.cern.ch/eco/sections/community-engagement

Your profile

Skills

• 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;
• The ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Further details:

• https://international-relations.web.cern.ch/opportunities/2024//project-graduate-cern_courier_magazine_associate_editor

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Particle Physics, Science Communication (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 30th of January 2025 at 23:59 (midnight) CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Target start date: 01-April-2025

Job reference: IR-ECO-CE-2024-213-GRAP

Field of work: International Relations

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• 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: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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 http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.