Software and Infrastructure Engineer

Software and Infrastructure Engineer

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

September 5, 2026October 20, 2026GenevaSwitzerland
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancement. Established in 1954, CERN has grown to become one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research, employing thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries. The organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in particle physics and related fields, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. CERN operates in multiple countries, with its headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland, and has a mission to explore the fundamental structure of the universe. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member's contribution is recognized and valued, which is essential for driving scientific progress and achieving its goals.

Job Overview:
The Software and Infrastructure Engineer position at CERN involves contributing to the development, deployment, and maintenance of the Open Research Europe publishing platform, which is based on Open Journal Systems (OJS). The role requires working under the guidance of a senior engineer to develop, test, and operate the platform, ensuring secure and reliable service delivery. The engineer will collaborate closely with the business and editorial operations team to enhance the platform's functionality and performance. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about open-source development and are eager to work in a collaborative environment that values innovation and teamwork. The engineer will also be involved in system testing, performance checks, and documentation of procedures, making it a multifaceted role that combines technical skills with operational support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Software and Infrastructure Engineer include:
  • Contributing to the development of the OJS application and its plugins, ensuring that integrations with external services are tested and functional.
  • Assisting in the deployment and maintenance of the Open Research Europe infrastructure, utilizing Kubernetes/OpenShift and automated CI/CD workflows.
  • Participating in system testing and performance checks to ensure the platform operates efficiently and effectively.
  • Documenting procedures and providing day-to-day operational support to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Collaborating with the business and editorial operations team to identify areas for improvement and implement enhancements to the platform.
  • Engaging in open-source projects related to OJS and contributing to the broader community of developers and users.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate experience in developing web applications, particularly with PHP and the Laravel stack. Familiarity with Open Journal Systems (OJS) source code, plugin systems, and workflows is a significant advantage. Additionally, experience with containerized infrastructure and orchestration tools such as Kubernetes or OpenShift is essential. Knowledge of administration" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">system administration, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure automation tools like Helm and GitLab CI will also be beneficial. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are required, along with a commitment to open-source development and collaborative work.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. It is important that applicants have graduated within the last two years to meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates without a university degree or those holding a PhD are not eligible for this position, ensuring that the role is filled by individuals who are at the appropriate stage in their professional development.

Experience:
Applicants should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation in a relevant field such as Software Engineering or Computer Science. This ensures that candidates are relatively new to the workforce and can bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the role while still having enough experience to contribute effectively to the team.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 24 months, which may be extended up to a maximum of 36 months. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers a hybrid flexibility model. The target start date for this position is November 1, 202
  • Candidates should be aware that the role may involve stand-by duty and work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the organization's needs. The compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 5266 to 5793 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and various allowances based on individual circumstances. A relocation package is also available, including installation grants and travel expenses.
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