Job Description
Your responsibilities
Are you a passionate developer who enjoys solving complex problems and working with modern technologies? Join us in developing software and firmware for the real-time data processing system of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC.
We are upgrading the CMS level-1 (L1) trigger system—built on custom FPGA logic—to handle the high data rates expected in the upcoming High-Luminosity LHC phase. As part of this effort, we're developing a novel L1 Data Scouting system to analyze all events using coarse L1 information. You will help design and operate a demonstrator system to explore its technical feasibility and physics potential. This work is part of the NextGen Triggers project, a multi-year collaboration focused on applying AI and high-performance computing to trigger and data processing in LHC experiments.
Key Responsibilities
1. Develop software and firmware for data acquisition and real-time processing in the L1 Data Scouting demonstrator system.
2. Support and contribute to the implementation of prototype physics analyses on the demonstrator system.
3. Design and develop new scouting physics analysis prototypes to enhance the CMS experiment's physics program.
4. Provide daily supervision and mentorship for project students.
5. Collaborate closely with members of the CMS L1 trigger and data scouting groups at CERN.
6. Present project work and results at CERN-hosted and international conferences and workshops.
Your profile
Skills
* Experience with software development (C++, Python, Linux, Git) is desirable.
* Experience of data analysis in the high energy physics domain would be beneficial.
* Experience with FPGA firmware development and familiarity with trigger / data acquisition systems and their hardware, e.g., high-speed optical links, would be beneficial.
* Experience with specific software such as Vivado Design Suite, Vivado/Vitis HLS, Intel oneAPI / TBB, CUDA/Alpaka, ROOT, GitLab, and continuous integration processes would be advantageous.
* Basic knowledge of machine learning techniques and tools would be a plus.
* Strong team collaboration skills and effective communication, including in presentations.
* Proficiency in spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility criteria:
* You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
* You have a professional background in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with either:
o a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
o or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
* You have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 11.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months.
Working hours: 40 hours per week.
Target start date: 01-October-2025.
Job reference: EP-CMG-OS-2025-106-GRAP.
Field of work: Applied Physics.
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 circumstances: installation grant; family, child, and infant allowances; travel expenses at the start and end of the 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, physicists and engineers probe 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 collided at near-light speeds. This research provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. More information at http://home.cern.
Join us on a Quest—an extraordinary journey of discovery. Bring your expertise to our unique projects and develop your skills rapidly. Collaborate with world-class experts on pioneering projects in our Quest for knowledge and understanding.
Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!
Diversity has been integral to CERN's mission since its inception and remains a core value. Employing a diverse workforce is essential to our success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr