Technical Project Manager (BE-EA-PR-2025-177-LD)

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 Experimental Area Group within the Beams Department (BE-EA) is responsible for the secondary beamlines, infrastructure, and management of the fixed-target experimental areas, providing them with technical and organisational support. As an experienced Technical Project Manager in the field of Applied Physics or Engineering, you will join the North Experimental Area Consolidation “NA-CONS” Project led in the PR section of the BE-EA group.

The North Area (NA) consists of a complex of three experimental halls, service buildings and underground tunnels with several kilometres of beam lines. It provides particle beams of a wide energy range and particle types for fixed target experiments and R&D test beam programs for the CERN community as well as for external collaborations. Due to its uniqueness, the NA has been intensively operated during five decades. To deal with increased demand and to adapt the NA to the future exploratory physics program, the NA-CONS Project has been committed to enhance the reliability, safety, and scientific capabilities of the North Area.

Functions

As an experienced Technical Project Manager, you will organize and follow up the consolidation of all the infrastructure and equipment related to the NA-CONS Project. You will work in close collaboration with all equipment and service groups and stakeholders involved in the project, as well as with the other project teams, internal as well as contractors. The position will require to collaborate with any other project or activity that will take place in the North Area.

You will be expected to divide your activities into three key coordination stages:

           Preparation of the Long Shutdown (LS3): 

• Follow up and help the preparation of the project schedule, including milestones, critical paths, and dependencies.
• Assist in the preparation of technical specifications, scopes of work, and procurement packages.
• Guarantee that all the activities approved are included in the schedule.
  
  Follow-up the planned activities during LS3: 
• Serve as interface between technical teams, contractors, facility operators, and safety responsible persons.
• Follow up the progress of activities and major milestones, review issues with all the stakeholders.
• Verify the as-built documentation is complete and handed over at the end of the project.
  
  North Area commissioning prior to resuming operations:
• Organize the return of the facility to operational status, ensuring all acceptance tests, safety verifications, and administrative checks are completed.
• Contribute to the post-project REX (Return of Experience) and identify lessons learned for future consolidations.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in technical coordination of complex activities for large technical/scientific facilities, project management and project coordination.
• Extensive hands-on experience within a technical facility, demonstrating a deep understanding of operational protocols, instrumentation and safety procedures.
• Experience working in underground and/or controlled areas and related radiation protection and safety issues.
• Effective collaboration with and supervision of facility staff and multidisciplinary teams in a complex technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience of communication with various levels of hierarchy.

Technical competencies:

• Organisation, planning and control: including supervision of work;
• Project management;
• Team management;
• Knowledge and application of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electro-magnetism, optics, etc.);
• Knowledge and application of electromagnetic radiation propagation and interaction with matter.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
• Working in the Interest of the Organisation: accepting and complying with strategy and directions from hierarchy; actively promoting safety and encouraging others to do the same; respecting safety rules and procedures.
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions; working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Managing Self: remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Working in Teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 14.09.2025 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

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organisation.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-EA-PR-2025-177-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist