Library Cataloguer (OSI-SIS-AL-2026-146-GRAE)

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Geneva

International

Speaks English, French

Application deadline: June 18, 2026 (27 days)

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Summary by Impactpool

The Library Cataloguer position at CERN involves curating and cataloguing scientific publications to enhance their visibility and accessibility. The role includes responsibilities such as cataloguing various document types, reviewing existing records for accuracy, and contributing to the migration of metadata to a new institutional repository. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in a collaborative environment, supported by comprehensive training. This position is ideal for early-career professionals looking to develop skills in library and information science.

Candidate Requirements:

Experience or strong interest in metadata management
Completion of cataloguing coursework
Familiarity with digital repositories and library management systems
Strong knowledge of cataloguing standards like RDA and MARC21
Familiarity with structured metadata formats like JSON and XML
Good organisational skills
Good communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team
Spoken and written English, commitment to learn French
Maximum two years of professional experience since graduation
Bachelor's or Master's degree required

Company Description

Job Description

Are you interested in becoming a library cataloguer and contributing to the dissemination of cutting-edge scientific research?

The Scientific Information Service plays a central role in ensuring that CERN's scientific publications are accurately described, indexed, and made discoverable through major digital repositories. Each year, the team curates around 13'000 records, helping to maximise the visibility, accessibility, and long-term preservation of CERN's research outputs.

The selected candidate will work within the Archives & Library Section, gaining hands-on experience in the curation and cataloguing of scientific documents. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills in metadata creation, quality control, and information organisation in a large international research environment. You will contribute directly to the quality and reliability of bibliographic data used by researchers worldwide.

You will join a diverse, dynamic, and supportive team of dedicated librarians, where cataloguing responsibilities are shared and collaboration is strongly encouraged. The team works closely together, allowing for continuous learning, peer support, and knowledge exchange in day-to-day activities.

Comprehensive training and guidance will be provided, making this position particularly suitable for candidates at an early stage of their career who are motivated to learn and grow professionally. This is a unique opportunity to develop core library and information science skills while contributing to meaningful, long-term projects in an international and collaborative setting.

Your responsibilities:

Curation and cataloguing of CERN scientific publications, primarily in INSPIRE and the CERN Document Server (CDS), including:

Cataloguing scientific articles, preprints, conference papers, theses, and other document types using JSON and MARC formats.
Reviewing, checking, and updating existing records to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of metadata.
Contributing to the maintenance, update, and documentation of cataloguing and curation procedures.
Analysing existing cataloguing practices and propose improvements in line with international standards.

Participation in the migration to a new institutional repository, including:

Cleaning, harmonising, and improving metadata.
Identifying and resolving metadata issues to ensure the correct migration of content.
Contributing to the definition of requirements and providing input to specifications related to the migration.

Contribution to the broader activities of the Archives & Library Section, such as:

Taking part in Library service desk shifts to support researchers in their use of Library services.
Participating in Archives re-boxing activities.
Carrying out additional tasks related to Library and Archives operations, in line with organisational needs and ongoing projects.

Your profile:

Experience or strong interest in metadata management.
Completion of in-depth cataloguing coursework as part of academic studies.
Familiarity with, or interest in, digital repositories and library management systems.
Interest in library services and user-facing information support.

Skills:

Strong knowledge of cataloguing standards and bibliographic formats, such as RDA, MARC21 and DataCite.
Familiarity with structured metadata formats such as JSON and XML is considered an asset.
Good organisational skills and the ability to work accurately while following instructions and documented procedures.
Willingness to contribute to a wide range of Library and Archives activities, including user support and collections-related tasks.
Good communication skills, with the ability to interact clearly and effectively with Library service users.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

By the application deadline, you have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Library & Information Science (or a related field) and your highest educational qualification is either a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Applicants without University degree are not eligible.
Applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Job closing date: 18.06.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

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

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-September-2026

Job reference: OSI-SIS-AL-2026-146-GRAE

Field of work: Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Benchmark job: 5B0160 - Scientific Information Support Officer

Global Benefits

A monthly stipend between 5266-5793 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

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

Candidate Requirements:

Experience or strong interest in metadata management
Completion of cataloguing coursework
Familiarity with digital repositories and library management systems
Strong knowledge of cataloguing standards like RDA and MARC21
Familiarity with structured metadata formats like JSON and XML
Good organisational skills
Good communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team
Spoken and written English, commitment to learn French
Maximum two years of professional experience since graduation
Bachelor's or Master's degree required

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