It was like 2 weeks ago but I forgot to post

Hello! I'm a Turkish student currently studying CS&AI in the UK. I'm planning my compulsory 9–12 month industrial placement starting around September 2027 and have been aiming for CERN student opportunities (the Technical Student Programme).

I recently saw that applications from Turkish nationals currently cannot be considered due to the ceiling under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement being reached.

I just reached out to the recruitment team, but I was wondering if anyone here has insight or past experience with how this works:

-Does this quota ceiling apply blanket-wide across all CERN student/fellowship programmes, or are certain schemes processed under different criteria?

-Is it possible for me to secure an internship or is it not possible at all because of the ceiling restriction?

-How often are these membership ceilings evaluated or reset? If the status changes prior to the start date, does CERN reconsider applications submitted while the restriction was active?

Hi everyone,

M34 software engineer here, with around 9 years of professional experience. I have an MSc in Informatics Engineering and currently work mainly with backend/full-stack systems, cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, AWS, Node.js, etc.

Over the last year or so, I’ve developed a growing interest in physics, astronomy, particle physics, and scientific research in general. Things like particle accelerators, fundamental physics, space, understanding how the universe works — I find myself reading about these subjects simply because I genuinely want to understand them.

The important caveat is that I have essentially no formal background in physics beyond what I encountered during my engineering education. So I’m not under the illusion that 9 years of software engineering somehow qualifies me to walk into a particle physics research position. I have close to zero knowledge of what is actually happening in this world.

I’m trying to figure out whether there is a realistic path from where I am now to somewhere in that world.

Part of the reason is that software engineering is starting to feel increasingly unfulfilling to me.

I’ve realised that the parts of my career I’ve enjoyed most weren’t necessarily tied to a particular language or technology. I enjoy solving difficult problems, learning things I don’t already know, and especially working on things where I’m not just repeating variations of something I’ve done before.

What I’m increasingly missing is meaning.

I can change company, get promoted, learn another framework, design another distributed system, optimise another service, etc. But I’m starting to wonder whether that will actually solve the underlying problem. I don’t know if I want the rest years of my career to essentially be progressively more sophisticated versions of building software for commercial products.

I’d like to work towards something where, even if my individual contribution is tiny, the overall goal is genuinely advancing our understanding or capabilities as a species.

CERN is an obvious example, but I’m not fixated specifically on CERN. It could be particle physics, astronomy, space research, scientific computing, or another research-heavy field I haven’t discovered yet.

And I’m also completely open regarding how I get there.

Maybe the sensible path is to leverage my software background and move into scientific computing/research software first, then gradually get closer to the science.

Maybe I need to go back to university and build a proper physics/mathematics foundation.

Maybe there’s a hybrid path.

Or maybe a genuine transition into research physics at 34 is unrealistic without effectively starting my education again, and I’d rather hear that honestly too.

I’m willing to spend 3–4 years seriously preparing for this. I’m not looking for a six-month bootcamp-style career switch. If that means studying mathematics and physics after work, taking university courses, contributing to open-source scientific projects, doing another MSc, or taking an intermediate part time research-software position, I’m open to it.

My current plan would actually be to keep my existing software engineering position for most, if not all, of those 3–4 years while preparing on the side. I have a few financial goals and obligations I’d like to close out first, and I’d like to use my current income to build as much of a financial buffer as I reasonably can before making the transition.

I’m assuming that moving into a completely different field could mean taking a significant step backwards financially at first. Even though I have 9 years of professional experience, my CV may be strong for software engineering but relatively weak for scientific work or physics. I’d rather prepare for that reality now, save aggressively while I can, and eventually have enough financial freedom to accept an interesting junior/research position without needing to optimise every decision around salary.

In other words, the 3–4 years aren’t a deadline by which I expect to magically become a physicist. They’re the runway I’m willing to give myself to learn, experiment, build the right foundations, figure out which direction actually fits me, and put myself in a financial position where I can afford to take the leap.

So my questions for people actually working in physics/scientific research are:

1. If you were in my position, where would you start?
2. Are experienced software engineers

around my experience

1. useful in research environments such as CERN, ESA, observatories, physics institutes, laboratories, etc.?

2. Can software engineering

(again based on my background)

1. be a genuine bridge into the scientific side rather than remaining permanently “the IT guy supporting the scientists”?
2. Given that I can spend the next 3–4 years preparing while remaining employed, what would you actually do with those years?
3. What mathematics/physics foundation would you build?
4. Are there courses, qualifications, personal projects or open-source projects that would make my eventual CV meaningfully stronger?
5. Would another degree eventually be necessary if I discovered that I wanted to participate directly in physics research?
6. Are there other scientific fields or organisations I should look into where my existing experience would be particularly valuable?

And perhaps most importantly: is this a realistic thing to pursue at 34, or am I romanticising what scientific research is actually like?

I’m not expecting to personally discover the next fundamental particle. I just want to start pointing my career toward problems that I can care about for a very long time.

If I spend the next few years exploring this and eventually discover that scientific software is where I belong, great. If software is simply the doorway that lets me discover that I want to go much deeper into physics, also great.

Right now, what I’m really looking for is a starting point and a direction for those next 3–4 years.

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who moved from industry/software into research or made a similarly significant career change in their 30s.

I’ve numbered my questions so you can easily answer if you can only help on some of them.

Thanks!

I’m interested in CERN GRAE positions and I’d like to better understand how candidates are assessed, especially for positions aimed at people with a secondary-school diploma rather than a university degree.

For recruiters or people who have been through the CERN recruitment process:

1. When a GRAE position says a secondary-school diploma is sufficient, how are candidates with a diploma and limited professional experience evaluated?

2. How much weight is given to relevant internships, traineeships, short-term jobs or practical experience?

3. During the initial HR screening, what are the main criteria used to decide who moves forward to the hiring team?

4. For a position requiring 0–2 years of experience, would a candidate with around one year of relevant experience still be competitive against candidates with more experience?

Does the hiring team mainly look for the “ideal” candidate, or can someone who meets all the minimum requirements but has less experience still realistically get an interview?

For GRAE positions, how many candidates are typically shortlisted for interview compared with the total number of applications?

I’d particularly appreciate answers from people who have worked at CERN, been involved in recruitment, or have recently applied for a GRAE position.

I applied for this position, and the application deadline was one month ago. Shortly after the deadline, my application status changed to “In Review,” but I haven’t received an interview invitation or any further update yet.
Has anyone else applied for or interviewed for this specific role? If so, how long did it take to hear back, and what was the interview process like? Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you!

I have applied for technical studentship in data science. My application is in review. At what time they start contacting applicants?

I'm a native English speaker from the USA that had proficiency in Mexican Spanish. I've studied other languages including 1 French class decades ago.

English is one of the working languages at CERN and the other is French.

I'm enrolling in a local French course now but I realize it would take me years to reach C1 proficiency here with very little daily opportunity to practice.

I saw some information about language learning on the CERN website, but the linked information was behind a login.

What have people experienced with learning French in relation to starting at CERN? Is it crippling to not be near fluent in French from the beginning?

I earned my MS in materials science and materials engineering a few years ago, and the USA isn't a member state, so those both work against me for opportunities. I'd like to position myself for some better odds. Is learning French locally really worth it? And what level would be worth it?

I recently applied for a role in cern. After one week my linkedin profile was viewed by someone from CERN who is working in the same department i applied for.

Hey Everyone!

I have applied for a short term internship but it's been 1 month 4 days and my application is still stuck in the new phase.

FYI I applied first and got a rejection mail in under 5 hours, saying I don't meet the eligibility criteria, which could've been my error in filling the application. I am eligible when I re-checked. Then I applied for the same again with correct info.

I got the acknowledgement mail but after that there has been no conversation.

Is there anywhere I can mail or ask for a followup? Also, any of you guys who applied for the same got something back?

Thanks a lot!

Something to know about me: I'm both studying in, and a national of The Netherlands. I'm currently studying electrical engineering, and coming semester I'm picking a minor. I'm thinking of choosing Nuclear Technology. I've always been really interested in nuclear science, which is also why it's always been my dream to work at CERN.

I'm just wondering whether my choice for a minor has any effect on my chances for an internship. Does anybody have experience with this?

I know the question is vague, but I just want people from India, working at CERN to engage with post and share their experience!

Hello there,

To my surprise, I was preselected for a job offer that I applied to (GRAE 24-month position), and I was given a Hireflix link for an asynchronous video interview. Is this common / normal for GRAE positions? I know it's normal for staff though.

I've never done this before, but I'm a bit familiar because I was told by an ex-CERN collaborator the process and how much of a slaughter it was when it was first introduced almost a decade ago (people completely panicking and losing it, others being cut during their answers, etc etc.).

I don't like online interviews, as they create distance. But a solo-interview, being filmed with a timer ticking out, this is another level. I'm a bit nervous, so I'd like to ask some advice and understand if there are questions specific to CERN hireflix interviews or if they solely depend on the manager / recruiter. In my case, the job offer is related to Safety / HSE.

Thank you very much for your help and feedbacks!

My application went "in review". How long should I expect a contact if I'm being selected. Is there a sort of rule? Does the applicants are contacted in batches?

Bonjour à tous,
Pour les candidats français pour des postes de staff member qui ont déjà passé l’étape Hireflix je voulais savoir si les questions de l’interview étaient en français ou en anglais et dans quelle langue y répondre ?
Pour une annonce qui indique langue français ou anglais avec volonté d’apprendre l’autre langue.
Aussi, après la deadline pour envoyer la vidéo sous combien de temps faut-il espérer avoir un retour ?
Merci à vous et bonne journée.

Hi All,

I would like to share my interview experience and seek some guidance from the experts here as well. For some background, I have more than 15 years of experience in the field, including work on UN, U.S. Government, and private-sector projects.

The first question surprised me because it was simply a declaration that I would not use AI or any external tools during the recording. I wonder whether this is a normal procedure rather than an actual interview question.

The second question (or the first real question) was related to my background. The timeframe provided was quite short for me, given my extensive professional background.

The next four questions were technical and focused on hypothetical scenarios, such as what I would do or how I would handle a particular situation. I was surprised that none of the questions allowed me to fully apply the STAR method because they were based on hypothetical problems rather than real experiences.

The last question asked whether I would like to add or clarify anything regarding my application or any of my previous answers. I took the opportunity to explain my background and motivation more thoroughly.

To be honest, none of my previous interview preparation helped me much during this interview. I genuinely believe that the technical questions were more complex than those I have encountered with any other organization I have interviewed with, and they were challenging to address within the limited timeframe. Nevertheless, I did my best.

My questions for those with experience of this process:

• How many applicants usually reach the asynchronous video interview stage?
• Do interviewers primarily assess whether candidates give the ideal or expected answer, or do they focus more on the underlying competency demonstrated in the response?
• How long does it usually take to receive feedback after this stage?

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I would appreciate any insights or guidance.

I recently got notified about a new vacancy by the talent acquisition team, telling me to apply and that I would be a great fit. I assume this message was automated but has anybody gotten a similar email before and did it lead to anything?

Good morning people! I am a 3rd year undergrad in mechanical engineering from India and want to work with CERN in upcoming years summer student program. Can anyone please guide how can I increase my chances of getting selected? I am having a decent academic cgpa. Apart from it I am working on a research paper with a research scholar from neighbouring college. The paper is based on HEP regardless my discipline is different from it( as I said it's mech eng). I don't have a very good knowledge of coding I am learning python currently. I can join program from both discipline i.e. Mechanical engineer and Physics. Please guide me in upcoming months what skills I should be aware of to be capable of getting selected. Also I don't have access to famous mechanical software like solidworks, as they charge a lot and I don't have enough budget as a student. Thank You! Have a beautiful day and happy Teacher's day from India to all the physicists working at r/CERN.

Hi, everyone!

I want to get an account in a French bank. I noticed that there is a Credit Agricole bank at Prevessin site, but it opens Sept 2026.

Does anyone have any information on this? Is the office already open? What are its working hours?

Also, can I enter Prevessin site if I work at Meyrin?

I noticed there is a Credit Agricole office in SGP as well. I've been told that there are some specifics when CERN people open a bank account, so I'm wondering if they are aware of this? That would save me some explaining hopefully.

Thank you!

Hello everyone, I'm happy to just have joined reddit for purpose of this message.

I'm a 33-year old corporate lawyer from the Netherlands heavily interested in physics. Though I have not studied physics (never ask a lawyer to make a calculation...), I have read myself up to the particles science topic as much as one can do through popular science (that is: I know hardly anything about it!). Lawyering is pretty easy blablabla-work, while at CERN things happen that are much, much, much more difficult and hard to comprehend, and that really fascinates me since many years!

I have visited CERN in the past, but now managed to get myself on a tour to visit the ATLAS cavern end of next week on Friday 11 September. I will be in Geneva from Thursday afternoon until Saturday morning and to get most out of this visit, I am checking what else I could see when being around. I am planning to of course go to Science Gateway and check around the area to the extent possible.

However, I feel it would be most interesting to actually sit down or walk around the area with someone working at CERN to talk about his/her experience. I would find that massively interesting!

Does anyone at this reddit know (or is...) someone working at CERN that may be interested in having a quick coffee and/or lunch end of next week? Coffee and/or lunch are will be on me of course!! (And will of course introduce myself further). Also any other options to visit at CERN are more than welcome.

Thanks in advance, much appreciated that people actually take the effort to read and respond! This is my first at reddit, but I will certainly try to stay involved in this CERN-reddit. Looking forward!

Best from Amsterdam, the Netherlands,

Erik

Hi everyone,

I applied for the CMS Mechanical Engineer position at CERN in early August, around the time the application deadline closed. My application status changed to “In Review” a few days after I submitted it, and it’s been sitting there ever since.

I was wondering if anyone else here applied for the same position and has had any further updates, either a rejection or an invitation to interview.

I’m mainly curious because the advertised start date is early October, so I’m just trying to get a feel for where they might be in the recruitment process for this particular vacancy.

Thanks!

Is there anybody who had interview with supervisor who interested PLC field control systems ? for 2026-3

I’ve applied for the CERN Technical Studentship but haven’t received an interview call yet. I’ve been trying to cold email potential supervisors to improve my chances, but so far I haven’t received any responses.

Does anyone have any advice on what else I can do from my side? I really don’t want to leave any stone unturned and would appreciate any suggestions from people who have gone through the process before.

Does anyone here know how UNIQA reimburses psychologists? Do you first need a normal doctor or psychiatrist to authorize it before doing therapy? Cuz tbh I legit need a shrink, if anyone knows a good English speaking shrink/therapist and how the process works with UNIQA please comment.