Research Software Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. With a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study fundamental particles and their interactions.

Job Overview:
The Research Software Engineer position at CERN is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between particle physics and finance. The role is part of Project HighLO, which focuses on applying advanced data analysis techniques from physics to tackle challenges in financial markets, such as fraud detection. The successful candidate will be responsible for transforming research into production-ready algorithms and tools, specifically using the ROOT framework, which is a widely used C++/Python framework developed at CERN. The engineer will collaborate with both CERN's ROOT team and the HighLO research collaboration, working on a ROOT-based framework for analyzing limit order book data and adapting software to meet the needs of financial institutions. This position requires a strong background in data analysis, particularly in applying statistical techniques to financial data, and involves building solutions for real-time data analysis and working with data structures in ROOT.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Software Engineer include:

• Collaborating with diverse teams to develop a ROOT-based framework for analyzing limit order book data.
• Engaging with financial institutions to customize software solutions and support deployment processes.
• Utilizing expertise in data analysis to apply statistical techniques from particle physics to financial datasets.
• Developing solutions for real-time data analysis using ROOT.
• Working on data structures within ROOT that are specifically designed for financial data analysis.
• Contributing to the maintenance and enhancement of existing codebases and libraries.
• Participating in team meetings and discussions to share insights and progress on projects.
• Documenting code and processes to ensure clarity and facilitate collaboration among team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience in building data analysis libraries using C++ and Python, along with a solid understanding of data analysis principles. A background in either particle physics or finance is essential, with preference given to candidates who have experience in both fields. Familiarity with large codebase open-source projects is also required. Proficiency in Python and C++, as well as experience with Git and CMake, are mandatory. Knowledge of ROOT and web technologies such as React or Next.js for creating interactive analysis dashboards is considered a plus. Strong spoken and written English skills are essential, and a commitment to learning French is expected.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a professional background in Physics, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field. Educational qualifications include 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. It is important that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in data analysis or software engineering, particularly in the context of building data analysis libraries. Candidates with a PhD should have relevant experience during their doctoral studies or in subsequent roles, but should not exceed 3 years of post-graduation experience. Experience working on large-scale open-source projects is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and contribute to complex codebases.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, as it will be beneficial for communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 24 months, which may be extended up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work model allowing for flexibility. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• The role may require working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The compensation package includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and have access to on-the-job training, formal training at CERN, and in-house language courses.