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, primarily in Europe, 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:
In this role, you will contribute significantly to the development of advanced AI methods aimed at enhancing data processing capabilities in the field of high-energy physics. Your work will involve applying deep learning and tensor-network techniques to create next-generation software that facilitates real-time data analysis. As part of a diverse and interdisciplinary team comprising physicists and computer scientists, you will engage in research and development activities that are crucial for the advancement of the field. This position not only requires technical expertise but also involves team supervision responsibilities, making it essential for you to lead and mentor team members effectively. You will be expected to share your findings through various channels, including open-source contributions, academic publications, and presentations at conferences, thereby contributing to the broader scientific community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include researching and developing innovative methods to transform conventional neural networks into tensor-network models. You will explore various pruning and quantization techniques to enhance the efficiency of tensor-network deployment. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of libraries and tools designed for compressing and deploying 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 responsible for supervising team members, ensuring that projects are completed on time and to a high standard. Sharing your results through open-source contributions, publications, and conference presentations will be an integral part of your role, as it helps disseminate knowledge and fosters collaboration within the 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 essential. You should possess 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. It is also important to note that candidates who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract are not eligible for this position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or a PhD in Computer Science or a related field. The educational background should be complemented by relevant professional experience, as outlined in the required qualifications section. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding the complex concepts and methodologies that will be employed in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a solid level of experience in deep learning and tensor networks. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with these technologies, ideally in a research or applied setting. Experience with FPGA programming and/or hardware-aware AI deployment is highly desirable, as it will enhance your ability to contribute effectively to the team's objectives. The ideal candidate will have a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enabling them to tackle the challenges presented in high-energy physics data processing.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, a commitment to learning French is expected, as it will facilitate better integration into the team and the local community. While English is essential, knowledge of French will be considered an asset and may enhance your overall effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered on a hybrid working model, allowing for a combination of remote and on-site work. The contract duration is initially set for 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are 40 hours per week, and the 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. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), along with coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for you and your family, membership in the CERN Pension Fund, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, you will receive 30 days of paid leave per year and opportunities for on-the-job training, formal training at CERN, and in-house language courses.