Job description

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

You will provide strategic leadership and operational management of CERN's national and international teacher programmes, designing and delivering professional development programmes that help teachers keep up to date with the latest developments in particle physics and related areas. You will build strong partnerships with scientists and educators, oversee programme evaluation, and support high-quality physics education worldwide.

You will join the Education section within the Education, Communications and Outreach Group (ECO). The Education section runs a broad portfolio of programmes for teachers and school students and conducts Physics Education Research to support evidence-informed programme design and evaluation.
Are you passionate about helping teachers bring particle physics into their classrooms? Are you an experienced physics educator, an excellent organiser, and a skilled education researcher? Join us as Teacher Programmes Manager!

Functions

Manage the annual planning and delivery of CERN teacher programmes onsite, while developing and expanding the programme portfolio, including online seminars.
Curate, maintain and expand CERN's teaching-resource database, supporting initiatives that link CERN-related educational content with school curricula.
Build and manage strategic relationships with CERN scientists, staff and external partners.

Supervise a project graduate and an administrative student, and co-supervise doctoral students in physics education research.
Lead the empirical evaluation of programme outcomes.
Build and sustain an active international network of alumni teachers acting as ambassadors for CERN and particle physics within their educational communities.

Qualifications
Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of STEM education or a related field.

Experience:

Experience in designing, delivering or managing professional development programmes for teachers, ideally in physics or STEM.
Experience in physics education and science communication.
Experience creating or curating educational resources that support curriculum needs and classroom implementation.
Experience working collaboratively with scientists, educators and external partners, supported by strong interpersonal and intercultural skills and a commitment to inclusive collaboration.
Experience in evaluating educational programmes and applying evidence-informed approaches to improve learning experiences would be an advantage.
Technical competencies:

Teaching and training.
Science communications.
Education research.
Organisation, planning and control.
Stakeholder relationship management.
Behavioural competencies:

Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: keeping aware of the need for a balanced outreach across all Member States and partners; taking into account stakeholder concerns and interests.
Demonstrating Flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
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 26.02.2026 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: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

Work in Radiation Areas.
Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organisation.

Global Benefits

A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.
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.

Job location

Switzerland