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 the field of particle physics and operates in multiple countries, fostering collaboration among scientists globally. The organization is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which has been a core value since its inception.

Job Overview:
The Software Engineer position at CERN is designed for individuals with a strong background in full-stack web development and a passion for open-source technologies. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team responsible for the CERN Document Server (CDS), which serves as the institutional repository for CERN's scientific, administrative, and multimedia output. This role involves contributing to the evolution of CDS as it transitions to a modern platform based on InvenioRDM, ensuring long-term access to CERN's intellectual and historical records. The engineer will play a crucial role in designing, building, and operating a mission-critical service that supports Open Science on a global scale, collaborating with various stakeholders to meet functional and usability requirements while performing DevOps activities to maintain the service.

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 stakeholders to ensure that CDS meets all functional, usability, and service requirements. Additionally, the role involves performing DevOps activities such as service configuration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. The engineer will also share expertise with the wider InvenioRDM developer and open-source community, migrate content and services from the current CDS to the new 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, relational databases (particularly PostgreSQL), and ORM frameworks (e.g., SQLAlchemy) is also necessary. Hands-on experience with ElasticSearch/OpenSearch, service deployment, configuration management, and operation in production environments, including container-based platforms like Docker and OpenShift, is expected. Familiarity with modern web UI technologies and UX/usability best practices, as well as experience in user support and training, is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in the role.

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. Experience working with REST APIs and a proven track record of collaborating with users for requirements gathering, support, and training is also essential. Familiarity with open-source and/or distributed software projects is highly valued, as is the ability to work effectively across teams.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, with a commitment to learning French considered an asset. This language proficiency is crucial for effective communication within the diverse international environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
The position is a limited duration contract for 5 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 plus 2 weeks of annual closure. Employees are covered by CERN's comprehensive health insurance scheme and have access to a pension fund, as well as family allowances and a relocation package depending on individual circumstances.