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Full job description

The Geodetic Metrology Group (BE-GM) provides metrology and alignment for accelerator components, beam lines, and experiments across CERN, including geodetic reference systems and gravity field modelling. The Future Projects section prepares technical foundations for upcoming facilities through studies, simulations, and prototyping.

In this role, you will contribute to FCC studies, developing gravity field models for the 91 km tunnel and supporting sub-millimetric alignment of accelerator components and detectors. You will also contribute to the CERN-Swisstopo collaboration to compute the quasi-geoid model required for Switzerland's New Height System.

Your responsibilities:

• Compute and validate a state-of-the-art quasi-geoid model covering FCC area and Switzerland.
• Explore and propose solutions for modelling equipotential surfaces inside tunnels.
• Take part in field observation campaigns (gravity, GNSS, leveling, astro-geodetic) required to fill data gaps or to validate the computed models.
• Develop a gravity field modelling software package by combining existing tools and new features developed for the project.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

• Knowledge of physical geodesy and gravity field theory.
• Experience in regional gravity field modelling using GRAVSOFT, GROOPS, KTH, SHGEO or another method would be an asset.
• Experience in object-oriented programming (ideally Python and/or C++).

Skills:

• Good organisation and communication skills, sense of responsibility and a capacity to work in a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.

• You have a professional background in Topography, Geodesy, Surveying, Geomatic (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: 31.08.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01.10.2026

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: BE-GM-FP-2026-29-GRAP

Field of work: Mechanical Engineering

Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
• 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

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