Digital Twin Computing Engineer

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. Founded in 1954, CERN employs thousands of physicists and engineers who work collaboratively to explore the basic constituents of matter using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking contributions to particle physics, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. CERN's mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of the universe, and it plays a pivotal role in international scientific collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Digital Twin Computing Engineer position at CERN is a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about advancing computing technologies that support groundbreaking scientific research. This role is part of the EU-funded ODISSEE project, which focuses on developing innovative technologies and methodologies that leverage European High-Performance Computing (HPC) supercomputing resources. The engineer will evaluate and benchmark novel computing platforms and methodologies, contributing to the future of large-scale scientific computing. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including technology partners and supercomputer centres, to assess digital twin frameworks for modeling and optimizing supercomputer architectures and simulating data centre operations. The engineer will also leverage tools developed through the EC-funded interTwin project to support the integration and optimization of AI workflows on HPC systems, making significant contributions to the next generation of computing technologies that drive scientific discovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a member of the IT-CD group in the CERN IT Department, the Digital Twin Computing Engineer will have a range of responsibilities, including: collaborating with ODISSEE members, CERN openlab partners, and upstream communities on proof-of-concept hardware demonstrators; evaluating their performance and suitability for supporting sustainable AI and data-intensive workloads; assessing emerging digital twin technologies for data centre operations in collaboration with European and global supercomputer centres; preparing technical documentation, reports, and presentations to effectively communicate project progress and outcomes; representing CERN at international conferences, workshops, and meetings to share insights and foster collaborations with other research institutions and technology providers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in Computing Engineering or a related field. They should have proven experience in utilizing large supercomputing centres in Europe, extensive knowledge of heterogeneous architectures (CPU, GPU, and other accelerator technologies), and experience with digital twin technologies. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proven experience in optimizing AI workflows on HPC and methodologies for scalable AI applications on HPC supercomputers. Previous participation in EU research projects and experience writing technical reports are essential, while experience with data centre operations and optimization techniques is considered an asset. Experience as a Task Leader in EU research projects would be beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Computing Engineering or a closely related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in computing technologies, data analysis, and systems architecture, which are critical for the role of Digital Twin Computing Engineer.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a demonstrated level of experience in several key areas. This includes proven experience in using large supercomputing centres in Europe, extensive knowledge of heterogeneous architectures, and experience with digital twin technologies. Candidates should also have a track record of optimizing AI workflows on HPC systems and methodologies for scalable AI applications. Previous involvement in EU research projects, including writing technical reports, is essential, and experience with data centre operations and optimization techniques would be advantageous. Additionally, experience as a Task Leader in EU research projects is beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have strong spoken and written skills in English or French, with a commitment to learning the other language. Proficiency in both languages is advantageous, as it facilitates communication within the diverse international environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a limited duration contract for 2 years, with the possibility for holders of limited-duration contracts to apply for an indefinite position, subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers hybrid flexibility. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is IT-CD-PI-2025-213-LD. The organization emphasizes diversity and welcomes applications from all Member States and Associate Member States, highlighting its commitment to a diverse workforce as a central aspect of its success.