Data Steward

We are seeking a motivated open science specialist to help us to streamline data management practices within CERN. This is a unique opportunity to build a new function from the ground up and shape how we manage, preserve and make our research data openly available.

You will work in a small team within CERN's Open Science Office which supports the implementation of the CERN Open Science policy signed in 2022.

Your main role will be to support the implementation of CERN Open Data and Open Science policies in close collaboration with the research community through effective data governance and stakeholder engagement.

You will also be working on projects aiming at improving Open Science practices with Research Assessment.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current data management practices within the CERN community, identify gaps and successes, and help develop a strategy to improve practices and inform future policy development.
• Coordinate the provision of guidance and trainings to researchers and collaborations on data management best practices (e.g. DMPs) and in close collaboration with corresponding IT services, including FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
• Participate in the development of a monitoring framework for Open Data and Open Science initiatives in collaboration with the research community and CIO office.
• Participate in cross-organizational initiatives to advance Open Science practices.
• Provide ongoing support to researchers on data management and Open Science topics.

Your profile:

• Good understanding of research culture and processes in High Energy physics or other data intensive scientific disciplines.
• Good understanding of scientific information management practices and standards.
• Knowledge of the Open Science landscape in international research laboratories or similar infrastructures.
• Experience in user research (interviews, surveys, etc.) to understand research practices and needs.
• A knowledge of current initiatives on Research Assessment and Open Science would be useful.

Skills:

• Understanding of data management principles.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Information Science (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Job closing date: at 23:59 CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-March-2026

Job reference: RCS-SIS-OS GRAP

Field of work: Support Services (Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement)

Benchmark job: 5B0160 - Scientific Information Support Officer

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

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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.