Applied Physicist

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 centers for scientific research. With a mission to probe 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 work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter.

Job Overview:
In this role, you will contribute to the development of advanced AI methods specifically tailored for efficient data processing in high-energy physics. The position involves working on deep learning and tensor-network techniques, which are crucial for building next-generation software aimed at real-time data analysis. You will be part of a heterogeneous team composed of physicists and computer scientists, engaging in both research and development activities. The expectation is to not only develop innovative methods but also to actively collaborate with an international and interdisciplinary team, sharing results through open-source contributions, publications, and conference presentations. This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of data analysis in high-energy physics, making it a significant contribution to the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include researching and developing methods to convert conventional neural networks into tensor-network models, which is essential for improving data processing capabilities. You will explore various pruning and quantization approaches to enhance the efficiency of tensor-network deployment. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of libraries and tools that facilitate the compression and deployment of neural networks. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with an international team of scientists and software engineers. You will also be expected to share your findings through open-source contributions, publications, and presentations at conferences, thereby contributing to the broader scientific community.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for this position, you must be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. A professional background in Computer Science or a related field is required. You should possess 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 also important that you have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Additionally, expertise in deep learning and tensor networks is essential, along with experience in FPGA programming and/or hardware-aware AI deployment, which is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or a PhD in Computer Science or a related field. The Master's degree should be complemented by 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, while a PhD should be accompanied by no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of deep learning and tensor networks, as well as for engaging in advanced research and development activities.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position varies based on the educational background. Candidates with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, while those with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of relevant experience. This experience should ideally be in fields related to computer science, deep learning, or high-energy physics, providing a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, there is a commitment to learn French, which is considered beneficial for integration into the workplace and for collaboration with local teams. Knowledge of other languages may also be advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of an extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is May 1, 202

• It is important to note that this role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-SFT-2025-234-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax), along with comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, membership in the CERN Pension Fund, 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.