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 over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe collaborating on various projects, CERN operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study fundamental particles and their interactions. CERN's mission emphasizes diversity and inclusion, making it a cornerstone of their operational philosophy.

Job Overview:
The Research Software Engineer position at CERN is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between particle physics and finance through the innovative Project HighLO. This project leverages data analysis techniques from physics to address challenges in financial markets, such as fraud detection. The successful candidate will be responsible for transforming research into production-ready algorithms and tools, specifically utilizing the ROOT framework, which is a C++/Python toolkit developed at CERN and widely used in particle physics. The role involves collaboration with both the ROOT team and the HighLO research collaboration, focusing on developing a ROOT-based framework for analyzing limit order book data, adapting software for financial institutions, and building solutions for real-time data analysis. The position requires a strong foundation in data analysis, statistical techniques, and the ability to work with large codebases, making it ideal for candidates with a background in either particle physics or finance.

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

• Collaborating with the ROOT team to develop a framework for analyzing limit order book data.
• Working closely with financial institutions to customize software solutions to meet their specific needs and assist in the deployment process.
• Applying statistical data analysis techniques from particle physics to financial data, ensuring robust and accurate analysis.
• Building solutions capable of analyzing streamed data in real-time using the ROOT framework.
• Developing and maintaining data structures within ROOT that are essential for financial data analysis.
• Engaging in code reviews and contributing to the open-source community by sharing improvements and innovations.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to project planning and execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in software development, particularly in building data analysis libraries using C++ and Python. A solid understanding of data analysis principles and domain knowledge in either particle physics or finance is essential. Experience with large codebases and open-source projects is highly desirable. Proficiency in Git and CMake is required, while knowledge of ROOT and web technologies such as React or Next.js is considered a plus. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also important.

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 relevant professional experience if holding a Master's degree, or up to 3 years of experience for those with a PhD. Experience in data analysis, software development, and familiarity with the financial sector or particle physics is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration within the organization and the local community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a hybrid role, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week. The contract duration is initially set for 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The target start date for this position is March 1, 202

• The role may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will have access to on-the-job training and formal training opportunities at CERN.