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European Commission Project Junior Officer (IT-RM-2025-136-GRAE) - Job Opportunity at CERN

Geneva, Switzerland
Contract
Entry-level
Posted: July 23, 2025
On-site
CHF 5,196-5,716 per month

Benefits

Comprehensive tax-exempt monthly stipend providing competitive compensation above market standards for junior roles in Switzerland
Premium healthcare coverage extending to spouse and children, eliminating personal medical insurance costs
CERN Pension Fund membership providing long-term financial security and retirement planning benefits
Installation grants and family allowances supporting international relocation and work-life balance
Generous 30-day annual leave allocation exceeding European standards
Professional development through on-the-job training and formal CERN programs enhancing career prospects
Language training opportunities in English and French supporting international career development
Travel expense coverage for contract initiation and completion reducing personal financial burden

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic coordination of high-impact European Commission funded projects within CERN's IT department, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and EU policy frameworks
Lead comprehensive project lifecycle management from proposal development to successful delivery, managing multi-million euro research initiatives with international significance
Orchestrate stakeholder engagement across diverse European research institutions and internal CERN departments, building strategic partnerships that enhance project outcomes
Conduct sophisticated analysis of EU funding opportunities and policy developments, providing strategic guidance on CERN's positioning for future grant opportunities
Manage complex financial oversight including budget preparation, expense tracking, and comprehensive financial reporting to European Commission standards
Produce high-quality periodic reports to the European Commission, synthesizing technical achievements and financial performance for executive-level review

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in European studies, Economics, Law, or related field

Experience

Maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation

Required Skills

Experience with EU-funded projects and project management Strong written and verbal communication skills in English Excellent organisational skills, including ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work in a dynamic environment Able to liaise internally and externally with a varied range of stakeholders Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

European research funding is experiencing unprecedented growth with the Horizon Europe program allocating €95.5 billion for 2021-2027, creating substantial demand for professionals skilled in EU project management and compliance frameworks. Digital transformation initiatives across European research institutions are driving increased integration between IT departments and EU-funded projects, requiring specialized roles that bridge technical and administrative expertise. Post-Brexit European research landscape has intensified competition for EU funding, making skilled project officers essential for successful grant acquisition and management in prestigious institutions like CERN.

Salary Evaluation

The offered CHF 5,196-5,716 monthly salary (approximately €5,100-5,600 or $5,500-6,100) is highly competitive for entry-level positions in Switzerland, particularly considering the tax-exempt status and comprehensive benefits package. This compensation package effectively provides purchasing power equivalent to €7,000-8,000 gross salary in most European markets.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a 5-8 person project management team, with direct reporting to senior project managers and regular interaction with department heads, European Commission officials, and international research partners across multiple institutions.
This is a strategically important entry-level position offering direct exposure to high-level European Commission interactions and multi-million euro project management. Despite junior classification, the role carries significant responsibility for CERN's EU funding success and provides exceptional visibility within the international research community.

Key Projects

Horizon Europe digital infrastructure projects focusing on high-performance computing and data management solutions for particle physics research European Open Science Cloud initiatives integrating CERN's data resources with broader European research infrastructure Quantum technology research programs connecting CERN's expertise with emerging European quantum computing initiatives Artificial intelligence and machine learning projects supporting advanced data analysis in particle physics research

Success Factors

Developing deep understanding of European Commission funding mechanisms, compliance requirements, and reporting standards that govern multi-million euro research grants in the competitive European research landscape. Building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including European research institutions, government officials, and internal CERN departments to facilitate successful project delivery and future funding opportunities. Mastering complex financial management skills including budget oversight, expense tracking, and comprehensive reporting that meets European Commission standards for transparency and accountability. Cultivating adaptability and resilience to manage dynamic project requirements and changing EU policy landscapes that affect long-term research planning and execution.

Market Demand

High demand driven by expanding EU research budgets, increasing complexity of compliance requirements, and the specialized skill set required to navigate European Commission funding mechanisms in technical research environments.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

EU-funded project management expertise is absolutely essential as European research funding becomes increasingly complex and competitive, requiring specialized knowledge of compliance frameworks, reporting standards, and stakeholder management across multiple countries and institutions. Advanced communication skills in English are critical for success in this international environment where clear, precise communication with diverse stakeholders including European Commission officials, research partners, and internal teams directly impacts project success and funding retention. Exceptional organizational abilities are fundamental to managing multiple concurrent projects worth millions of euros, each with distinct timelines, reporting requirements, and stakeholder expectations that demand meticulous attention to detail and strategic prioritization.

Beneficial Skills

French language proficiency would significantly enhance effectiveness in the Geneva-based international environment and improve communication with francophone European partners and local administrative systems. Financial analysis and budget management skills beyond basic requirements would provide competitive advantage in managing complex multi-year research budgets and identifying cost optimization opportunities. Understanding of scientific research methodologies and terminology would facilitate more effective communication with technical teams and improve the quality of project reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Unique Aspects

Direct involvement with European Commission funding mechanisms provides unparalleled insight into EU research policy development and implementation at the highest levels of international scientific cooperation.
Opportunity to contribute to projects that advance fundamental scientific understanding while developing expertise in complex international funding frameworks that govern billions of euros in research investment.
Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research projects that influence global technological development, from quantum computing initiatives to advanced data management systems supporting particle physics discoveries.
Professional development within an organization recognized globally for scientific excellence, providing career credentials that open doors throughout international research and policy communities.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years given the high-profile nature of CERN experience and the specialized expertise developed in European research funding mechanisms.

Potential Next Roles

Senior European Commission Project Manager with responsibility for larger project portfolios and strategic planning initiatives EU Research Policy Analyst focusing on institutional strategy and funding opportunity development International Research Partnerships Manager coordinating multi-institutional European collaborations Program Director roles in European research organizations or national research councils

Company Overview

CERN

CERN stands as the world's largest and most prestigious particle physics research organization, operating the Large Hadron Collider and serving as the birthplace of the World Wide Web. The organization represents the pinnacle of international scientific collaboration, bringing together 23 member states and thousands of researchers in pursuit of fundamental scientific discoveries.

CERN maintains an unparalleled position in global scientific research, with an annual budget exceeding CHF 1.2 billion and recognition as the premier destination for particle physics research. The organization's discoveries and technological innovations consistently influence global scientific direction and technological development.
Based in Geneva, CERN serves as a cornerstone of Switzerland's position as a global center for international organizations and scientific research. The organization's presence significantly contributes to the region's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and international cooperation.
CERN fosters a highly collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that attracts top talent from around the world. The organization emphasizes diversity, scientific excellence, and knowledge sharing, creating a unique workplace culture that balances rigorous scientific standards with international cooperation and innovation.
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