Edit: first line should read "I am NOW looking..."

Hi Andrew,

I can probably give you some tips. I've been in -and-around CERN for quite some time, though I also will be applying for a new job in the next months, also at CERN.

If you haven't already, first thing is to get up and running with CERN's e-recruitment page. Go to cern page, go to 'cern staff and users', then jobs, and then e-recruitment. You need to create a profile, upload CVs, ref letters, all that jazz. That will take you some time already. Then for specifics about what you might want to write into a cover letter I might be able to give you some tips. They hired me 9 years ago, so I must have done something right!

By the way, did you study physics at the uni here in Geneva? What field? Perhaps you can put me into contact with ppl there so I can expand my network. ;-)

Cheers, Dave

Hey thanks for your suggestions.

Yeah, I already know about the application form. I did a while back for a summer internship some years ago which I didnt get. But yeah some tips about cover letter would be very useful.

I did my degree at Edinburgh University, here I was just for one year working at Uni Geneve. And I am not from particle physics field, I am more applied and material science oriented, so at cern I would like to work on detector or collider technology, I am especially interested in superconductivity. I know some people at Edinburgh who taught me particle physics lectures who might be interesting contacts to you and they visit cern from time to time but I am not sure they remember me...

By the way, I see you are wearing a hakama, which martial art is it?

Ok. Well, I also was more of a materials (applied) physics guy and now I'm in detectors. Just kinda ended up that way. I think u should have a look at the open positions for staff, there may be something that suits your profile. Also, you might consider applying to the fellowship and/or phd program at CERN. Fellowships in applied science are possible for those having at least 4 years university experience. In fact, this was the contract I received 9 years ago after completing my Bachelors. For tips, I can give you some, but it might be easier to meet up in person one day once you've narrowed in on some posts you like.

The hakama is for Aikido. Yours? Budo is it? Very similar in any case! ;-)

Oh I didnt consider there might be PhD positions in something else than particle physics. I should consider that as well.

My hakama is for Kendo.

Thanks for offering to give me some tips in person. When would be good for you? I am home now applying for jobs mostly so I am flexible.

Hi Andrew,

I agree with David's advice but I could add that many people work at CERN but have a contract with another institution. This particularly true for people working on the detectors. So check out any old contacts you have at the university of Edinburgh or other UK universities.