Doctoral Student Programme

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN's mission has been centered around diversity since its inception, making it a core value of the organization. The organization is known for its groundbreaking experiments and contributions to the field of particle physics, operating in multiple countries and employing thousands of staff members dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge.

Job Overview:
The Doctoral Student Programme at CERN offers a unique opportunity for students to work on their thesis while engaging in cutting-edge scientific research for a period of up to 36 months. This program is particularly suited for individuals specializing in Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing. Participants will have the chance to contribute to world-renowned experiments and collaborate with leading scientists in an environment that fosters innovation and discovery. The program allows students to develop algorithms for data acquisition and real-time analysis as part of the Next Generations Triggers project, which aims to enhance physics analysis capabilities for high-energy collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Students will work closely with both CERN supervisors and their university thesis supervisors to ensure that their work aligns with their doctoral requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a participant in the Doctoral Student Programme, you will be responsible for developing software and/or firmware algorithms for the Level-1 Data Scouting system. This involves assessing the physics sensitivity achievable through the system and determining the associated requirements. You will also demonstrate the feasibility of your approach in a laboratory setting. Collaboration with your university supervisor will be essential to define the specifics of your algorithms and the physics topics you will explore. Additionally, you will be expected to engage in regular progress discussions and contribute to the overall goals of the Next Generations Triggers project.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Doctoral Student Programme, candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State or nationals from Non-Member States involved in LHC experiments. Applicants should have commenced or be about to commence a doctoral program at a university, with their work at CERN contributing to their thesis. A good command of English or French is required, as this will facilitate communication and collaboration within the international environment at CERN.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized university. The work conducted at CERN should be integral to the thesis work required for obtaining a PhD. Academic arrangements will be coordinated between the university thesis supervisor and the CERN supervisor to ensure that the research aligns with the academic requirements of the doctoral program.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge in their field of study, particularly in areas relevant to Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing. Experience with algorithm development, data analysis, or related research projects will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial in the collaborative environment at CERN. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The Doctoral Student Programme offers an initial contract of association for 12 months, which can be renewed for a total duration of up to 36 months. This period may be spread over a maximum of four consecutive years, allowing students to balance their time between CERN and their university. Participants will receive a monthly allowance of 3891 Swiss Francs (net of tax), along with a travel allowance and potential supplements for those with dependents. Coverage under CERN's comprehensive Health Insurance scheme is provided, with contributions deducted from the monthly allowance. Participants are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month. It is important to note that the maximum contract duration does not impose a strict timeline for completing the PhD, and CERN will not cover any university-related costs or tuition fees. Applications must be submitted by August 11th, 2025, and may involve a selection process that includes interviews.