System Administrator for CMS Experiment

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

• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering innovation and collaboration among diverse professionals in various fields.

Job Overview:
The position of System Administrator for the CMS Experiment at CERN involves acting as the primary liaison between the CMS experiment and the CERN IT department. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the virtual machine pool, configuring Linux environments, and overseeing storage allocations. This role requires a proactive approach to administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration, ensuring that the virtual machines (VMs) are set up, configured, and maintained effectively. The candidate will also provide backup support for managing the CVMFS content and assist colleagues in the administration of VMs. This position is critical for ensuring the smooth operation of the CMS experiment's computing resources, which are essential for conducting cutting-edge research in particle physics.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main contact point between the CMS experiment and the CERN IT department, facilitating communication and collaboration.
• Manage the allocation of virtual machines for the CMS experiment within the OpenStack environment, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently.
• Coordinate with computing management and detector/physics organizations to handle storage allocations effectively.
• Set up, configure, and administer existing virtual machines using Puppet, ensuring they meet the operational requirements of the CMS experiment.
• Provide backup support for the management of the CVMFS content, ensuring data integrity and availability.
• Assist colleagues in the system administration of VMs, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Maintain documentation related to system configurations, procedures, and best practices to ensure knowledge sharing within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience in Linux system administration and service configuration. Proficiency in shell scripting and Python is essential, as well as familiarity with cloud systems, particularly OpenStack. Experience with ticketing systems and computing service support is considered a plus. The ability to thrive in a multicultural environment is crucial, as is a commitment to learning French alongside proficiency in spoken and written English.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. It is important to note that candidates without a university degree are not eligible for this position, nor are those who have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Additionally, applicants with a PhD are not eligible.

Experience:
Candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in their relevant field. This experience should ideally be in roles related to system administration, cloud computing, or IT support, demonstrating the ability to manage and configure systems effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learning French, which is considered beneficial for effective communication within the diverse CERN community.

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

• The job reference for this position is EP-CMO-2026-13-GRAE. Compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free, along with 30 days of paid leave per year and additional benefits such as health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances. On-the-job training and formal training, including language classes, are also provided.