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
The Engineering Department (EN) pushes forward the limits of technology so that physicists can carry out their research. You will join the Cooling and Ventilation (CV) group of the EN department, which is in charge of the operation and maintenance of the cooling and ventilation systems of CERN’s accelerator complex and experimental areas. The activity includes the work site supervision for installation work and commissioning of new systems, upgrade of existing systems and consolidation of old systems.
Are you a qualified technician, specialised in water treatment of industrial cooling systems such as reverse osmosis or ultra-filtration? Are you interested by the environmental aspects associated to the use of the water? Contribute your skill and experience to the operation and maintenance of complex cooling plants in a unique environment hosting some of the world’s most complex technical installations. Join CERN’s Cooling and Ventilation operation team. Take part!
Functions
As Water treatment technician within the Cooling and Ventilation group, you will take part in the operation, maintenance and modification works of water treatment systems related to cooling plants.
You will:
- Plan (by using the CMMS system), coordinate, supervise, check and perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities on cooling plants and, in particular, on water treatment installations;
- Perform operation and maintenance activities to ensure an appropriate run of the water treatment plants;
- Regularly liaise with users for all matters related to water treatment;
- Propose and define the most appropriate solution for the water treatment in case of new systems, modifications or renovation works;
- Technically coordinate contractors’ maintenance and installation work in compliance with contractual clauses and technical standards;
- Contribute to projects from the design phase until test and commissioning of the plants;
- Write up technical reports and notes, ensuring that the technical documentation is kept up-to-date and compliant with the quality standards;
- Ensure the respect of safety rules for all interventions;
- Participate in the stand-by service.
Qualifications
Higher technical diploma or equivalent relevant experience in the field of chemistry or a related field.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in maintenance, operation, and installation work on water treatment plants such as reverse osmosis, softeners, ultra-filtration or granulated activated carbon filter;
- Experience in the technical coordination of external contractors;
- Experience in the use of CMMS tools.
Following experience would be considered an asset:
- Experience in low voltage electrical systems;
- Initial experience in compressed air plants.
Technical competencies:
- Operation and maintenance of water treatment plants related to industrial cooling water systems;
- Organisation, planning and control: of activities involving different complementary technical fields (electricity, civil engineering, heavy handling etc.);
- Technical supervision of contracts;
- Operation and maintenance of electromechanical equipment and systems.
Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving results:
- having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Managing self:
- working well autonomously;
- taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
- Working in teams:
- working well in groups and readily fitting into a team;
- participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
- Demonstrating flexibility:
- readily accepting new tasks or work/projects.
- Solving problems:
- identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them;
- adopting a pragmatic approach;
- understanding the value of adopting generic rather than "gold -plated" technical solutions.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts (level B1 min). Willingness to learn and improve French (mandatory - courses provided by CERN).
Ability to draw up technical texts in one of the two languages.
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 15.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
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:
- Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
- Shift work and work during nights, Sundays and official holidays when required by the needs of the Organisation.
- Work in Radiation Areas.
- Interventions in underground installations.
- A valid driving licence.
Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.
Job grade: 3-4
Job reference: EN-CV-WMC-2025-5-LD
Field of work: Health, Safety and Environment
Benchmark Job Title: Material Science/Chemical Technician