Responsibilities
This position is part of the NextGen Triggers (NGT) project, a 5‑year collaboration between LHC experiments and the CERN Research and Computing Departments. The project aims to leverage innovative Artificial Intelligence technologies and high‑performance computing architectures to enhance trigger selection, data processing, and theoretical interpretation for LHC experiments. The insights gained will inform future detector development, data flows, and theoretical tools.
Join our team in developing new firmware and software for the real‑time data processing system of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, a major detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The project involves upgrading the Level‑1 (L1) trigger system to handle the high data rates expected in the future high‑luminosity phase of the LHC. We are also exploring the implementation of a complementary system called L1 Data Scouting, which involves real‑time data processing and analysis using FPGA‑equipped boards.
* Develop an innovative self‑supervised physics‑informed machine learning approach for fast and robust interpretation of collision events (e.g., classification, regression, anomaly detection) in the CMS Phase‑2 L1 Trigger.
* Reduce the L1‑scouting dataset size through intelligent data compression while preserving downstream physics reach.
* Statistically interpret outlier collision events collected by CMS in 2025 with an anomaly detection trigger based on autoencoders.
* Collaborate effectively within a team, including colleagues at CERN collaborating institutes.
* Present work at conferences/workshops at CERN and external venues.
Profile
* Advanced knowledge in Machine Learning algorithms (boosted decision trees, neural networks) including Fast Machine Learning.
* Knowledge and application of physics analysis methods.
* Understanding of trigger and data acquisition systems, their hardware, and associated tools.
* Software development platforms (e.g. GitHub, GitLab) and continuous integration.
* Basic knowledge and application of FPGA programming, including hardware description languages and high‑level synthesis.
* Spoken and written English with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility Criteria
* National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
* Professional background in Physics (or a related field) with either:
o a Master’s degree and 2–6 years of post‑graduation professional experience; or
o a PhD and no more than 3 years of post‑graduation professional experience.
* Never before held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
Additional Information
Job closing date: 30.10.2025 at 23:59 CET.
Contract duration: 24 months with a possible extension up to 36 months.
Working hours: 40 hours per week.
Target start date: 01‑January‑2026.
Job Reference
EP-CMG-OSGRAP
Field of work: Applied Physics
Offer
* A monthly stipend ranging between 6,287 and 6,911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
* Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, 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 CERN
At CERN the European Organization for Nuclear Research, 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 made to collide together at speeds close to the speed of light. The process provides clues about how particles interact and insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more.
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.
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