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 fundamental particles and their interactions.

Job Overview:
The position of Applied Physicist at CERN focuses on the development of innovative selections within the ATLAS trigger system, aimed at enhancing the identification of events in challenging regions of the parameter space. This role is particularly significant as it contributes to the preparation for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) era. The selected candidate will work collaboratively with NextGen doctoral students to design new triggering algorithms and strategies, including those based on machine learning and artificial intelligence. The role requires a strong understanding of collider physics and the ability to identify final states that are not adequately covered by the current trigger configuration. Additionally, the candidate will develop tools to support HL-LHC trigger menu studies and simulate trigger selections to estimate trigger rates using both data and Monte Carlo samples. Ensuring that proposed solutions adhere to trigger menu constraints regarding processing resources and rate limits is also a critical aspect of this position. Furthermore, the role includes responsibilities for supervising team members, making effective communication and leadership skills essential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement new triggering algorithms and strategies, particularly those utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• Identify and analyze final states that are insufficiently covered by the existing trigger configuration.
• Develop and maintain tools to facilitate HL-LHC trigger menu studies.
• Simulate trigger selections and accurately estimate trigger rates using both experimental data and HL-LHC Monte Carlo samples.
• Ensure that all proposed solutions comply with the constraints of the trigger menu, particularly in terms of processing resources and rate limits.
• Collaborate closely with experts in the ATLAS trigger and TDAQ upgrade teams to ensure alignment and integration of new developments.
• Supervise and mentor doctoral students and junior team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Communicate findings and progress effectively to stakeholders and team members, ensuring transparency and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional background in physics or a related field. Eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. The ideal candidate should have either a Master's degree accompanied by 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Additionally, candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Strong software skills and experience in AI/ML, trigger systems, FPGAs, and digital electronics are essential. Excellent communication and presentation skills are also required, along with a willingness to supervise students.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in physics or a related field, with 2 to 6 years of relevant professional experience, or a PhD in the same fields with a maximum of 3 years of post-graduation experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of collider physics and the development of triggering algorithms.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid level of experience in AI/ML and trigger systems, as well as familiarity with FPGAs and digital electronics. A strong background in collider physics is also necessary to effectively contribute to the development of the trigger menu for the HL-LHC era. Experience in supervising students or junior team members is preferred, indicating a capacity for leadership and mentorship within the team.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is vital in a collaborative research environment. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration within the CERN community and for communication with local colleagues.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The role requires a commitment of 40 hours per week and may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as necessitated by the needs of the organization. The target start date for this position is March 1, 202

• Compensation 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. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year, and opportunities for on-the-job training and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses, are provided.