The CERN openlab Summer Student programme 2020

Are you currently studying for a Bachelor or Master degree and have a strong IT profile? Are you looking for a practical training period during the European summer (June – August)? If so, this could be the opportunity for you: apply now for the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme!

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 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

One of CERN’s and CERN openlab’s key missions is education. Our professionals very much enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise with students who are committed and passionate about their chosen field. And there is no better way to learn than on-the-job: when that job happens to be in a world-famous research organisation and centre of scientific excellence, it’s even better.

This is what some of the CERN openlab 2019 Summer Students had to say about their experience:

 “I have seen what CERN researchers are going to be doing in the next 20 years or so. Thanks to the CERN openlab team for giving me this opportunity!”

“It was unique to have lecture series alongside normal working hours. I felt like I was truly a student for the summer all while making an impact on the work being done at CERN!”

“I enjoyed the networking aspect of the summer student programme. I could meet many new people and forge new friendships and professional relations (both with students and, ICT companies and with the CERN staff). Moreover, being at CERN was itself an amazing experience!”

“The variety of nationalities and projects was very refreshing and made the whole experience unique for me...”

Take part in CERN’s openlab Summer Student Programme! 

During two full months corresponding to 9 weeks (June - August 2020), CERN openlab summer students will work on an advanced IT project and will be given a series of IT lectures specially prepared for them by experts at CERN and other institutes. The students also have the opportunity to attend the main CERN Summer student programme lectures, if they wish. Visits to the accelerators and experimental areas are part of the programme, as well as visits to external companies. A short report and a presentation on your work and project at CERN will be expected at the end of your stay.

Find out more about the CERN openlab Summer Student Programme on its webpage.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a Bachelor or Master student (not PhD) with a strong computing profile and will have completed, by the European summer 2020, at least three years of full-time studies at university level.
• You will remain registered as a student during your stay at CERN. If you expect to graduate during European summer 2020 (as of May), you are also eligible to apply.
• You have not worked at CERN before with any other status (Technical Student, Trainee, User or other status) for more than 3 months and you have not previously been a Summer Student at CERN.
• You have a good knowledge of English; knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply for this Summer Student Programme.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion. In return, CERN will provide you with:

• A contract of association of 9 weeks to work on an advanced IT project.
• An extensive IT lecture programme. Students will also be able to attend the CERN generic summer student lecture programme if they wish.
• A 90 CHF per calendar day (net of tax) subsistence allowance to cover the cost of accommodation and meals in the Geneva area for a single person for the whole contract duration.
•  A travel allowance on a lump sum basis paid at the end of your stay to help you with the cost of travel between Geneva and your residence at the time of the selection committee.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (contribution is already deducted from the daily allowance).
• Assistance to find accommodation on the CERN site or nearby.

Possible arrival dates

Monday 15 June, 22 June and 29 June 2020.

This is how you can apply

You will need the following documents clearly labelled to complete your application (e.g. “CV”, “academic transcript”, “reference letter” etc) in PDF format to complete your application;

• A CV in either English or French,
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal please make sure there is no protection so that we can open it),
• At least one reference letter (dated less than 12 months), preferably two.

Please make sure you have all the documents requested at hand when you start your application on our career portal as they cannot be added after its completion (only reference letters can be submitted afterwards).

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation e-mail which contains a link. You must forward this link to your referees, so that they can upload their recommendation letter. Please note that this must be done before the application deadline (31 January 2020, 12 pm CET).

A few tips…

Ensure your CV is complete with all skills and experience that make you stand out as a candidate.

Be as clear and specific as possible in the application fields “Education” and “Experience” in order to increase your chances of being selected. Also include in this section all the specific skills (programming languages, hardware, databases etc.) that you have acquired and support your application. 

And last but not least, make good use of the ‘Motivation’ section to tell us why you’re a great candidate for CERN!

Selection procedure

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have completed their application before the deadline will pass to the next step of the selection process. The final results of the selection procedure will be communicated to the candidates by mid-April.