Geodesist (BE-GM-FP-2026-29-GRAP)
About this role
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.
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
Company at a glance
CERN is a truly unique organisation. A genuine collaboration between countries, universities, and scientists, driven not by profit margins, but by a commitment to create and share knowledge.
People here are part of immense scientific discoveries, answering some of life’s most complex questions and pushing the boundaries of understanding. Experts from every field come here to share in this ambition and the nature of this collaborative, international community creates a genuine atmosphere of trust. People are free to work creatively and to trust in, and rely on, their colleagues across the organisation.
History’s being made here – and the excitement is tangible, inspiring, and overwhelming at times. It is the only place in the world where you can do this work in this way.
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If you’ve worked at CERN in the past, why not join the official CERN LinkedIn Alumni group, linked from this page.
Top Benefits
- Health insurance
- Pension fund
- Family allowance
- Child allowance
- Infant allowance
- Relocation package
- Paid leave
- Annual closure
- Training and development
- Language classes
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