Head of Science Gateway Campus (SCE-2025-266-LD)

Company Description

At CERN , the European Organisation 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

Introduction

You will shape the future vision and development of the Science Gateway, providing strategic direction and operational leadership for a unique visitor-facing venue that has welcomed over 750,000 visitors from 179 countries in its first two years of operation. You will ensure that its facilities, activities and visitor experience embody CERN’s mission of sharing knowledge and inspiring curiosity about science and innovation, while delivering high-quality exhibitions, educational programmes and events. Working closely with internal stakeholders and partners, you will drive the long-term evolution of the campus and support its continued growth as a landmark destination for science engagement.

Functions

• Develop a long-term vision for the Science Gateway and associated campus, and co-develop a multi-year strategic plan and annual priorities with internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with CERN’s education and outreach objectives, including the preparation of annual budgets, work plans and reporting on progress, risks and mitigation measures.
• Plan and coordinate the implementation of permanent and temporary exhibitions and educational programmes across the Science Gateway Campus, as defined and overseen by the Education, Communication and Outreach (ECO) group, in accordance with the established operational framework.
• Oversee and continuously improve day-to-day campus operations, ensuring high-quality visitor services, exhibitions, workshops, events and retail activities, and ensure that facilities are safe, well maintained and operating reliably in coordination with technical services.
• Lead, support and develop the campus operations team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and service-oriented culture, and manage procurement and service contracts related to operations, maintenance, exhibitions and visitor services.
• Work closely with internal teams and external partners on exhibition updates, programme renewals and event planning, and build and maintain partnerships with universities, science centres and cultural institutions for co-productions, loans, exchanges and touring exhibitions.
• Contribute to fundraising and external resource mobilisation for new projects in coordination with CERN’s partnerships and fundraising team and CERN’s society foundation.
• Ensure the visibility, reputation and brand consistency of the Science Gateway Campus, maintaining a high standard of on-site and digital information, and represent the Campus within CERN and to external stakeholders as its main point of contact and ambassador.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Management, Science Communication, Cultural Management, Museum Studies, Education, Public Administration, Business Management or a related field.

Training or certification in leadership, project management, cultural or museum operations, public engagement, or facility management is an asset.

Experience:

• Extensive experience leading complex visitor-facing, cultural, scientific or public engagement facilities.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment, and representing an organisation to varied audiences with clarity and impact.
• Proven experience developing and delivering strategies in partnership with diverse internal and external stakeholders, and building partnerships with educational, cultural or scientific institutions.
• Proven experience managing budgets, contracts and external service providers.
• Extensive experience overseeing operations, including safety, maintenance, visitor services and event delivery.

Technical competencies:

• Team management;
• Development of vision and strategy;
• Personnel and material resources planning;
• Contract management;
• Organisation, planning and control;

Behavioural competencies:

• Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: building comprehensive road maps to translate the organisational vision to an operational level; defining and sets direction accordingly;
• Leading with Strength and Credibility: making timely decisions that balance systematic analysis with decisiveness; dealing with difficulties in a timely manner;
• Bringing the Best out of People: encouraging ideas and initiatives from others; fostering collaboration and team cohesion;
• Optimising Resources: planning activities, structuring the unit and assigning tasks and responsibilities in line with unit goals;
• Working in the Interest of the Organisation: promoting synergy and cooperation between the various parts of the Organisation.

Language skills:

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

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. 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 18.01.2026 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 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:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SCE-2025-266-LD

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

Benchmark Job Title: Communications/Public Relations /External Relations Professional

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! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern