Software Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, is a leading scientific research organization established to probe the fundamental structure of the universe. It employs physicists and engineers who utilize the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter. CERN is dedicated to advancing knowledge in particle physics and operates in multiple countries, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and scientific discovery. The organization values diversity and inclusion, making it a central part of its mission since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position at CERN is aimed at experienced professionals who are passionate about full-stack web development and open-source technologies. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team responsible for the CERN Document Server (CDS), which is a large-scale open-source platform utilized by thousands of users globally. The role involves contributing to the evolution of CDS as it transitions to a modern platform based on InvenioRDM, ensuring the preservation and dissemination of CERN's scientific, administrative, and multimedia output. The engineer will play a crucial role in designing, building, and operating a mission-critical service that supports Open Science on a global scale, working closely with stakeholders to meet functional and usability requirements while performing DevOps activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software Engineer include designing and developing new modules and functionalities for the CERN Document Server (CDS), contributing to the underlying open-source platform, InvenioRDM. The engineer will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure that CDS meets all functional, usability, and service requirements. Responsibilities also encompass performing DevOps activities such as service configuration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. The engineer will share expertise with the wider InvenioRDM developer and open-source community, migrate content and services from the current CDS to the new InvenioRDM-based repository platform, provide user support and technical assistance to CDS users, and manage and review code contributions in line with open-source development best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Strong experience in full-stack web application development for large-scale systems is essential, including back-end services, front-end user interfaces, and database schema design. Proficiency in Python is required, along with solid knowledge of JavaScript and modern frameworks such as React. Documented experience with web frameworks like Flask or Django is also necessary. Proven experience with relational databases, particularly PostgreSQL, and ORM frameworks like SQLAlchemy, as well as hands-on experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, is expected. Additionally, candidates should have experience with service deployment, configuration management, and operation in production environments, including container-based platforms such as Docker and OpenShift.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of software development and the technical challenges associated with large-scale systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have strong experience in full-stack web application development, particularly for large-scale systems. This includes back-end services, front-end user interfaces, and database schema design, as well as experience working with REST APIs. The role requires demonstrated experience in collaborating with users, gathering requirements, providing user support, and training, which is essential for ensuring the success of the software solutions developed.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to learning French, which is beneficial for integration into the local community and workplace.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a limited duration contract for 3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 8 years and eligibility for an indefinite contract tenure. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, with hybrid job flexibility. The role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is IT-CA-IR-2026-66-LD. CERN offers a competitive salary that is tax-free and increases with relevant experience, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.