Graduate Software Engineer

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

• It is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics and is home to the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Graduate Software Engineer position at CERN involves contributing to the development and maintenance of the CERN Document Server (CDS), which is an institutional repository aimed at archiving and disseminating research outputs. The role focuses on building a next-generation web platform using InvenioRDM, an open-source technology. As a Graduate, you will play a vital role in enhancing the workflow for researchers, enabling them to archive, publish, and share their work more efficiently. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on how CERN researchers manage their outputs, including software, data, and documents. You will be expected to develop web applications using Python and React, migrate existing content to a new digital platform, and collaborate with software engineers and end users to create technical solutions that meet their needs.

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

• Developing and maintaining web applications using Python for backend development and React for frontend development.
• Implementing new features to support the archiving, publication, and sharing of research outputs.
• Contributing to the migration of existing content to a new digital platform, ensuring data quality and consistency throughout the process.
• Writing, testing, and reviewing code to ensure reliability, performance, and maintainability of applications.
• Collaborating with software engineers and end users to gather requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.
• Documenting technical solutions and contributing to user and developer documentation to facilitate understanding and usability.
• Learning and applying best practices in software engineering, version control, and agile teamwork to enhance productivity and project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience with Python and web application development, ideally using frameworks such as Flask. A basic understanding of JavaScript and modern web interfaces, particularly React or similar libraries, is also required. Familiarity with version control systems like Git is essential. Candidates should be able to write clear and maintainable code and demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies. Experience with relational databases, specifically PostgreSQL, is necessary, along with familiarity with search or indexing technologies such as Elasticsearch or OpenSearch. Exposure to container technologies like Docker and platforms such as OpenShift is desirable, as is experience contributing to or working with open-source software projects.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering or a related field. It is important that applicants have graduated within the last two years and have not previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Candidates without a university degree or those holding a PhD are not eligible for this position.

Experience:
Applicants should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in Software Engineering or a related field. This experience should ideally include work related to web application development and software engineering practices.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Candidates are also expected to have a commitment to learn French, which is beneficial for integration into the local community and workplace.

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

• The job reference number is IT-CA-IR-2026-52-GRAE, and it falls under the field of Software Engineering and IT. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, which is tax-free and dependent on the candidate's degree. Additional benefits include 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and their family, and a relocation package based on individual circumstances. On-the-job training and formal training, including language classes, are also provided.