Company Description

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

Introduction

CERN’s scientific mission relies on the exchange of knowledge, technologies and equipment across borders. Ensuring that these exchanges meet export-control requirements is essential to managing risks and enabling responsible research.

To support a consistent, proportionate and risk-based approach to export-control compliance, CERN is establishing an internal compliance programme, centred on a new CERN Export Control Compliance Office.

As Export Control Compliance Lead, you will establish and lead the Export Control Compliance Office, developing the governance, policies and processes needed to embed this programme across the Organization.

Working within the Resilience team in OSI-ICS, you will conduct classifications, screenings, due diligence reviews, compliance assessments and export-control evaluations. You will provide expert advice to CERN Management on export-control and related regulatory risks, and work closely with legal, technical and operational experts to ensure effective implementation of export-control requirements.

This is an opportunity to shape a new compliance function at the intersection of science, advanced technology and international regulation.

Functions

• Establish and lead CERN’s Export Control Compliance Office, developing and implementing the governance framework, policies, processes, guidance, tools and training needed to support a consistent, proportionate and risk-based approach to export-control compliance across the Organization.
• Act as CERN's central focal point for export-control compliance matters, advising personnel, promoting awareness, conducting classifications, screenings, end-user and end-use reviews, compliance assessments, determinations and other due diligence activities, and coordinating inputs as required.
• Support and monitor the operational implementation of export-control requirements and decisions, including the management of export authorisations and associated compliance measures; act as principal adviser and secretariat to the Export Control Compliance Committee and coordinate departmental export-control liaison officers.
• Serve as CERN's contact point on export-control matters with relevant national authorities, external advisers and peer organisations, and maintain an effective external network within the export-control compliance community, particularly in the research sector.
• Maintain authoritative records of export-control compliance assessments, determinations, authorisations, policies, procedures and supporting documentation, including registers of technologies, activities, institutions and persons subject to screening, due diligence or export-control requirements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of CERN's export-control compliance arrangements, identify emerging risks, issues and trends, support the management of incidents, and provide reporting, escalation and recommendations for their continual improvement.
• Carry out such other tasks as may be required to deliver an effective export-control compliance programme.

Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of International Relations, Engineering, Law, Compliance, Economics, Business or a related field.

A recognised qualification or certification in export control or compliance would be an advantage.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience working in export controls within regulated sectors such as aerospace, defence, manufacturing, energy, research or higher education.
• Strong knowledge of export-control and dual-use regulatory frameworks; familiarity with one or more of the U.S., EU, Swiss and/or UK export-control regimes is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience establishing, implementing or maturing compliance programmes, governance arrangements and internal controls.
• Demonstrated experience conducting compliance assessments, due diligence activities, export-control evaluations, export licensing or other regulatory-compliance processes.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical, administrative, legal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, drafting and documentation skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance, procedures and compliance measures.
• Sound judgement and the ability to assess complex compliance matters, weigh competing considerations and formulate clear, evidence-based recommendations and compliance determinations.

Technical competencies:

• Organisational design & development.
• Knowledge management.
• Organisation, planning and control.
• Risk management.
• Archiving and records management.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Managing Self: remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information.
• Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: developing organisational strategy by anticipating future trends and taking a long term view of issues that impact CERN and its environment.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 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 20.11.2026 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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: OSI-ICS-2026-212-LD

Field of work: Administration

Benchmark Job Title: Business Process Analyst

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