Equipment Management Database Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, was established in 1954 and is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. With a mission to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe, CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. The organization operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Job Overview:
The Equipment Management Database Specialist role at CERN is crucial for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the CMS Equipment Management Database (EMdb) during the CMS Long Shutdown 3 (LS3). The specialist will act as a vital link between the physical inventory of equipment and the database, ensuring that all installations, removals, and modifications are accurately recorded. This position requires a blend of strong IT skills and a solid understanding of the CMS experiment's equipment and asset management processes. The specialist will also be responsible for developing tools to enhance data visualization and accessibility, thereby supporting colleagues in keeping the database updated with precise documentation and labeling for service installations. The role is integral to ensuring that equipment can be effectively identified, tracked, and managed throughout its lifecycle, contributing to the overall success of the CMS experiment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Equipment Management Database Specialist include ensuring the consistency, accuracy, and integrity of the CMS Equipment Management Database by synchronizing it with the physical installation and decommissioning of equipment. The specialist will act as the interface between field inventory activities of CMS teams and the Equipment Management Database, ensuring that all equipment installations, removals, and modifications are accurately reflected in the system. Additionally, the role involves maintaining, supporting, and enhancing the Equipment Management Database and its applications, ensuring their reliability and long-term sustainability while developing new features, dashboards, and visualization tools for equipment traceability, data quality monitoring, and reporting. The specialist will drive continuous improvements to the usability, functionality, and efficiency of the Equipment Management Database by streamlining the registration and management of equipment, cables, and other assets, enhancing data management and asset traceability across the CMS experiment. Furthermore, the specialist will support field operations to ensure that asset installation runs smoothly and that there is coherence between installed equipment and services and the database inventory. Collaboration with the CERN Enterprise Asset Management service is also essential to ensure the inter-operationality of processes within the CERN-wide infrastructure and applications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in Computer Science, Applied Physics, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have experience with relational databases and SQL, web application development (using technologies such as Oracle APEX, PHP, JavaScript, and client-oriented APIs), and monitoring data quality to ensure consistency between physical assets and the digital inventory system. Familiarity with engineering equipment, scientific infrastructure, or large-scale technical installations is also required. The ability to develop dashboards and application features, along with a proactive approach to improving processes and application functionality, is essential. Familiarity with the CMS Experimental and upgrade program is considered an advantage, as is the ability to bridge operational activities in the field with IT systems and interface with CERN asset management procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. This advanced education is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and enhance the Equipment Management Database and its associated applications.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in relevant fields, particularly with relational databases and SQL, as well as web application development. Experience in monitoring data quality and ensuring data consistency between physical assets and digital inventory systems is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with engineering equipment, scientific infrastructure, or large-scale technical installations is highly desirable. The ability to develop dashboards and application features, along with a proactive approach to improving processes and application functionality, is also important for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication within the diverse international environment at CERN.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 4 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, and the job is fully onsite. The role involves working in radiation areas, conducting interventions in underground installations, and may require a valid driving license. Candidates should be prepared to work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as needed by the organization. Due to the occupational health risks associated with this position, selected candidates must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed. The job grade is classified as 6-7, and the reference for this position is EP-CMS-SSI-2026-166-LD. The field of work is focused on Data Science and Data Analytics.