Applied Physicist – Real-Time Data Processing (EP-CMG-OS-2025-106-GRAP)

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 

• Develop software and firmware for data acquisition and real-time processing in the L1 Data Scouting demonstrator system.
• Support and contribute to the implementation of prototype physics analyses on the demonstrator system.
• Design and develop new scouting physics analysis prototypes to enhance the CMS experiment's physics program.
• Provide daily supervision and mentorship for project students.
• Collaborate closely with members of the CMS L1 trigger and data scouting groups at CERN.
• 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 desidered.
• 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 the following specific software would be beneficial: Vivado Design Suite, Vivado/Vitis High Level Synthesis (HLS), Intel oneAPI /TBB, CUDA/Alpaka, ROOT, gitlab and continuous integration processes.
• Basic knowledge of machine learning techniques and tools would be a plus.
• Strong team collaboration skills and effective communication of work, including in presentations.
• 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 or Engineering (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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 11.08.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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

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 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 http://home.cern.

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.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.