Research Software Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research institution established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs a diverse workforce of over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world. The organization operates in multiple countries, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration among physicists, engineers, and administrative professionals. CERN's mission is to push the frontiers of science and technology, contributing to our understanding of the universe through cutting-edge research and development.

Job Overview:
The Research Software Engineer position at CERN is an exciting opportunity to bridge the fields of particle physics and finance. The role involves applying data analysis techniques from physics to financial markets, specifically through Project HighLO, which focuses on fraud detection and other challenges faced by regulators and exchanges. The successful candidate will be responsible for transforming research into production-ready algorithms and tools, utilizing the ROOT framework developed at CERN. This position requires collaboration with both the ROOT team and the HighLO research collaboration, emphasizing teamwork and innovation in developing software solutions tailored to the needs of financial institutions. The engineer will work on analyzing limit order book data, adapting software for deployment, and building real-time data analysis solutions using ROOT.

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

• Collaborating with the ROOT team and the HighLO research collaboration to develop a ROOT-based framework for analyzing limit order book data.
• Engaging with financial institutions to customize software solutions according to their specific requirements and supporting the deployment process.
• Utilizing experience in data analysis to apply statistical techniques from particle physics to financial datasets.
• Developing solutions for real-time data analysis using ROOT, ensuring efficient processing of streamed data.
• Working on data structures within ROOT that are specifically designed for financial data analysis, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the software.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in data analysis and programming, specifically with experience in building data analysis libraries using C++ and Python. A solid understanding of statistical data analysis techniques is essential, along with domain knowledge in either particle physics or finance, or ideally both. Experience with large codebase open-source projects is also required. Proficiency in Git and CMake is necessary, while knowledge of ROOT and web technologies such as React or Next.js is considered a plus. Strong spoken and written English skills are mandatory, 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 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 important that candidates have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background that aligns with the educational qualifications mentioned. Specifically, candidates should have 2 to 6 years of relevant experience if they hold a Master's degree, or up to 3 years of experience if they possess a PhD. This experience should be in areas related to data analysis, software development, or relevant fields that contribute to the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. While not required, a commitment to learning French is highly encouraged, as it will facilitate better communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

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 job may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-SFT-2025-194-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, there is a relocation package available for eligible candidates.