Analytical Chemistry Technician (TTE 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 http://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

Are you a technician looking for a new professional experience? If so, joining CERN’s Technician Training Experience programme may be the perfect opportunity for you. 

As an analytical chemistry technician, you will be in the Environmental Monitoring Section within the HSE Unit (Health & Safety and Environmental Protection), which carries out an environmental monitoring programme. This is updated yearly and agreed upon with the host state authorities, aimed at measuring the physicochemical and radiological impact of the organisation’s activities (environmental monitoring). It includes the operation and the development of measurement systems that monitor the emissions in the atmosphere, the discharge of effluents into watercourses surrounding CERN sites as well as the stray-radiation linked to the operation of CERN’s accelerators and associated experiments. 

The environmental monitoring programme is carried out in collaboration with the Radiation Protection Group within the HSE Unit. It consists of monitoring an online sampling network, which has numerous samples from the different environmental compartments that are analysed in the laboratories of the HSE Unit.

The results of the monitoring programme are communicated on a quarterly basis to the CERN host state authorities.

Functions

As an Analytical Chemistry Technician, you will participate in sampling tasks and laboratory analyses. In particular, you will:

• Collect environmental samples, such as effluent water and river water;
• Collect other samples taken from CERN sites and the surrounding environment;
• Prepare samples for radiological and physicochemical analysis;
• Conduct physicochemical analysis through Ion Chromatography, ICP-MS, Photometry, and other laboratory techniques;
• Contribute to the follow-up of water release requests made by the CERN departments;
• Contribute to instantaneous physicochemical measurement campaigns that are carried out in the watercourses receiving CERN effluents.

Qualifications

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

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (https://home.cern/about/member-states);
• You have a Technical Diploma (careers.cern/ttediplomas), and no more than 4 years' relevant experience after finishing your diploma;
• If you are currently studying, you are still eligible to apply, although you are expected to have obtained your qualification by the start of your appointment at CERN;
• If you hold a BSc or MSc, you are not eligible. However you may be eligible for the Fellowship Programme.
• You should have at least a working knowledge of English OR French.

Specific requirements for this project

• Knowledge of Ion Chromatography, ICP-MS, and Photometry or other chemical analysis would be an asset;
• Interest in field and laboratory activities;
• A full valid driving licence.

Training Value

As part of an international team of experienced engineers and technicians, you will find yourself in an environment in which you can acquire and develop your skills, particularly in observation and communication.

This TTE programme will help you deepen your knowledge of physico-chemical analysis methods and laboratory instruments.

Additional Information

Additional Information

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

• An employment contract of one year, renewable for a second year; 
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend of 4599 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax);
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund;
• Depending on your individual circumstances: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva;
• 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

Required documentation

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A CV;
• A scanned copy of your latest relevant qualification;
• One reference letter (from a professor or previous employer) giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. This should be as broad as possible.

• • You may upload the reference letter yourself, whilst submitting your application, or through your referee via the link you will receive shortly after submitting your application.

All applications should normally reach us no later than 31.05.2022.