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 has been at the forefront of particle physics research since its inception, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe. The organization values diversity and has integrated it into its mission since its foundation, promoting an inclusive environment for all its employees and researchers.

Job Overview:
The Doctoral Student Programme at CERN offers a unique opportunity for students to work on their doctoral thesis while being immersed in a world-class scientific environment for up to 36 months. This program is particularly suited for those specializing in Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing. Participants will engage in groundbreaking experiments and contribute to significant projects, such as the Next Generations Triggers project, which aims to enhance data acquisition and real-time analysis capabilities for high-energy physics experiments. Students will collaborate closely with university supervisors to define the specifics of their research and the algorithms they will develop, ensuring that their work aligns with their academic goals and contributes to the broader scientific community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a participant in the Doctoral Student Programme, you will be responsible for developing algorithms in software and/or firmware for data acquisition and real-time analysis related to the Level-1 Data Scouting system for Phase-2 of the CMS experiment. You will assess the physics sensitivity achievable through your work and the requirements necessary for the system's implementation. Additionally, you will demonstrate the feasibility of your approach in a laboratory setting. Collaboration with both CERN and university supervisors will be essential to ensure that your research meets the academic standards required for your PhD thesis. You will also be expected to engage with the scientific community at CERN, participate in meetings, and present your findings as appropriate.

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 affiliated with LHC experiments collaborations. 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 essential for effective communication within the organization and during the research process.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized university. The work conducted at CERN must be part of the thesis requirements for obtaining a PhD, and the degree will be awarded by the university. Academic arrangements regarding the thesis work will be coordinated between the university thesis supervisor and the CERN supervisor to ensure alignment with academic expectations.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandated, candidates should demonstrate a strong foundation in their field of study, particularly in areas related to Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing. Experience with algorithm development, data analysis, or related research projects will be advantageous and may enhance the candidate's application.

Languages:
A good knowledge of English or French is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication and collaboration within the CERN environment. Proficiency in 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 automatically deducted from the allowance. Participants are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month. It is important to note that CERN does not cover any university-related costs or tuition fees. Applications must include a CV in English or French in PDF format, and the deadline for submission is August 11th, 2025, at 23:59 CET. The start date for the program is flexible, with options ranging from October 2025 to January 2026.