JOB DESCRIPTION

CERN Position: Senior Geotechnical Engineer (SCE-PPM-2025-208-LD)

Location: Geneva, ch

Company Description:

At CERN, the European Organisation 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.

Job Description:

Introduction

Are you a senior geotechnical engineer with skills and proven expertise in the domain of design and construction of underground civil engineering structures? Do you have experience of preparing and managing large-scale contracts within this domain? Are you able to work independently on high-value, technically complex civil engineering projects while collaborating with other disciplines to develop robust civil engineering solutions? If so then why not apply to join CERN’s dynamic team working on the proposed Future Circular Collider (FCC), a 91km circumference machine planned to be housed in an an underground complex up to 500 metres below ground in the Geneva Basin.

Functions

As an experienced geotechnical engineer with significant understanding of underground structures, you will be responsible for all geotechnical aspects of the design and potential construction of the extensive and complex civil engineering needed for a future CERN accelerator, the FCC.

You will:

• Undertake numerical studies to support the preliminary designs and optioneering studies for the FCC underground structures undertaken in-house at CERN.
• Oversee and critically assess the geotechnical work carried out by external consultants, contractors and specialist advisors.
• Prepare the geotechnical technical specifications including a geotechnical baseline report (GBR) required to support potential consultancy contracts related to the design and construction oversight of significant underground and surface structures envisaged for the FCC. These include over 100 kilometers of tunnels, eight large space caverns, 12 shafts at depths up to 400m and numerous other underground structures.
• Undertake the contract management of the consultancy and site investigation contracts to be put in place by CERN in order to obtain geotechnical data needed to inform subsequent design work.
• Manage the ongoing contract for external specialist support that CERN has with the ground engineering department of the University of Geneva.
• Work in close collaboration with the other members of the civil engineering team and provide them with expert support in the field of geotechnical engineering.

Qualifications:

Master”s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of civil engineering and geotechnical engineering or a related field.

Experience:

We are seeking an experienced civil/geotechnical engineer, capable of managing all life-cycle processes associated with design and construction of underground structures, such as tunnels, shafts, caverns.

As such the experience required shall be as follows:

• Extensive experience within relevant fields of underground civil/geotechnical engineering.
• Proven experience in writing technical documentation for site investigations and design of underground structures.
• Proven experience in managing contracts for design and/ site investigation services for large civil engineering projects.

Technical competencies:

• Design of underground structures;
• Knowledge of underground structure construction;
• Specification and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Solving Problems: being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information:

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN”s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 14.12.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SCE-PPM-2025-208-LD

Field of work: Civil Engineering

Benchmark Job Title: Civil Engineer

Level of Education: Master Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 24