Calling all science and engineering professionals who have taken a career break CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) brings you an exceptional opportunity! Applications are now open for the CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026. As the name suggests, this fellowship is designed for such individuals who for some reason have paused their careers and are now ready to return to the scientific field. This prestigious program offers graduates in science and engineering a chance for rebuilding their career and expertise by working for up to three years in an international environment, guided by CERN’s world-class experts.

The fellowship provides both full-time and part-time contractual positions for a duration of up to 36 months. This opportunity serves those individuals who are aiming to restart their scientific careers. It is important to note that this is a fellowship program and not an employment position. Throughout the fellowship, participants will receive numerous benefits, including a competitive monthly allowance, health insurance, travel support, and more. In this post, we’ll share all the essential details about the CERN Career Break Fellowship to ensure you don’t miss out. Find more information about the program below.

Overview of the CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants who meet the following eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for the Post-Career Break Fellowship:

• Graduates in science or engineering who have taken a career break for personal reasons (such as health, family, or caregiving) for at least the past two years.
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic and professional background.
• Citizens of CERN Member or Associate Member States holding an MSc with 2–6 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with up to 3 years of experience, are eligible to apply.
• Those applying in experimental or theoretical physics must hold a PhD, possess an excellent research track record, and have up to 6 years of experience in their field.
• Applicants already registered as CERN users are required to explain how their current status is relevant to the fellowship application.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows will receive the following benefits from CERN:

• An initial 24-month contract, extendable up to 36 months
• Hands-on training and guidance from CERN experts
• French and English language courses
• A monthly allowance of 6,500 CHF
• Full health insurance coverage for fellows and their families
• Enrollment in the CERN Pension Fund
• Installation grant along with family and child allowances
• Travel expenses covered
• 30 days of paid annual leave

Documents Required

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A cover letter detailing your full professional experience, explaining the reason for your career break, and highlighting how your skills and research interests align with CERN’s work
• A scanned PDF copy of your most recent academic qualification

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: September 7th, 2025 (12:00 AM CEST).
• Fellowship Expected Start Date: January 1st, 2026

How to Apply for CERN Career Break Fellowship?

Applications must be submitted online through the official CERN recruitment portal. Interested candidates are required to upload the documents listed above to finalize their application. Ready to be part of this remarkable fellowship experience? Don’t wait any longer—head to the official link below and begin your application today.