Hazardous Material Decontamination Engineer (SCE-SAM-CE-2026-169-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization 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

You will contribute to hazardous materials decontamination activities and civil engineering works and projects across CERN’s buildings and underground infrastructures.

In this role, you manage the preparation, coordination and follow-up of interventions, working closely with engineers, technicians, consultants and contractors to ensure safe and compliant operations.

You are involved in both planning and on-site activities, combining technical coordination with hands-on follow-up.

You will join the Civil Engineering section (CE) within the Site Asset Management (SAM) Group.

• Functions
• Act as the referent for pollutant-related works within the SCE-SAM group, managing the of hazardous materials decontamination activities at CERN.
• Act as contract manager for hazardous substances decontamination frame contracts, overseeing budget, quality, schedule and safety, and managing financial variations, claims and settlements with contractors.
• Serve as the referent of the civil engineering section for works and projects in technical galleries and the Proton Synchrotron complex facility.
• Manage project design steps (preliminary, concept design, developed project design, building permit, technical specifications and relevant documentation for tenders and execution design) in collaboration with internal CERN entities as well as the consultants and contractors appointed.
• Plan and manage the execution of construction and renovation projects, including coordination of various trades, utilisation of service and frame contracts and contract management, chairing site and coordination meetings, and monitoring cost, quality, schedule and safety until final acceptance.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental rules and promote a strong safety culture on work sites.
• Report on and document activities on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Civil Engineering or a related field.

Certification as a pollutant removal specialist, compliant with Swiss regulations and registered with SUVA and ideally a valid certification in "SS3 Technical Management" in accordance with French regulations and labour code.

Experience

• Proven experience in the execution and/or supervision of hazardous substance decontamination works.
• Demonstrated civil engineering experience in the maintenance and operation of buildings or infrastructures.
• Experience in coordinating multi-technical trades across projects.
• Experience on large-scale sites in industrial and/or scientific environments would be an asset.
• Proven experience in in building construction or renovation projects would be an asset.
• Experience in concrete and steel structure works would be an asset.
• Technical competencies
• Hazardous materials response operations.
• Knowledge of building construction, consolidation and renovation.
• Contract management.
• Organisation, planning and control.
• Cost and schedule management.
• Behavioural competencies
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: readily accepting new tasks or work/projects.
• Communicating Effectively: utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
• Working in Teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.
• Language skills

Spoken and written French, with a commitment to learn English.

Eligibility and closing date

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

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 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 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

• 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 Organization.
• Exposure to asbestos.
• Exposure to lead.
• Exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or agents toxic to reproduction.
• Radiation worker, category A.
• 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
• Field of work: Civil Engineering
• Benchmark Job Title: Civil Engineer
• Global Benefits
• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology.

Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields.

Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe.

We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose.

Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive.

Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe!

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