Software Developer

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 over 2,500 employees and thousands of scientists from around the globe collaborating on various projects, CERN operates in multiple countries, primarily in Europe. The organization is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of science and technology, particularly in the field of particle physics, and aims to uncover the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that govern their interactions. CERN's mission emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and diversity, fostering an environment where professionals from various fields can work together to tackle complex scientific challenges.

Job Overview:
As a Software Developer at CERN, you will play a crucial role in upgrading the CMS data acquisition system for the High-Luminosity LHC. Your primary responsibilities will include designing and developing software for FPGA-based electronics platforms, which are essential for the configuration, control, and monitoring of the Trigger and Timing Control and Distribution System (TCDS). You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including electronics engineers and physicists, to gather requirements, produce detailed documentation, and participate in system tests. This position is pivotal in ensuring the successful deployment of the production system by 2028, and you will be expected to contribute to the setup and operation of DAQ test systems, maintain software repositories, and support the CMS community during the commissioning of sub-detector data acquisition components. Your work will directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of data acquisition in high-energy physics experiments, making it a vital role within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with group members and CMS collaborators to develop software for configuring, controlling, and monitoring the TCDS system, ensuring seamless interaction with hardware components.
• Set up and operate DAQ test systems to validate various design components, ensuring they meet the required specifications and performance standards.
• Maintain and enhance software repositories and CI/CD infrastructure to streamline development processes and improve software quality.
• Contribute to the installation and commissioning of the Phase-2 DAQ system, which is scheduled between 2027 and 2029, ensuring all components function as intended.
• Provide ongoing support to the CMS community for the commissioning of sub-detector data acquisition components, addressing any issues that arise during the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in designing and developing complex applications using Python and C++, with experience in creating user-facing and REST-based interfaces. A solid background in system programming and interaction with computer hardware is essential. Familiarity with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices is required, along with experience in collaborative software development environments. Knowledge of firmware development using hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog is considered an asset. Additionally, exposure to the challenges faced by data acquisition systems in modern high-energy physics experiments will be beneficial.

Educational Background:
Applicants should possess a professional background in Software Engineering or Applied Physics (or a related field). The minimum educational requirement is either a Master's degree accompanied by 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. Candidates must also be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State and should not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a professional background that includes either 2 to 6 years of post-graduation experience for those with a Master's degree or up to 3 years of post-graduation experience for PhD holders. This experience should be relevant to software engineering or applied physics, demonstrating a solid understanding of the principles and practices in these fields.

Languages:
Fluency 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 learning 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 flexibility with a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is January 1, 202

• It is important to note that this role may require work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. The job reference for this position is EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-153-GRAP. Compensation includes a monthly net stipend ranging from 6,372 to 7,004 Swiss Francs, depending on the candidate's degree, along with 30 days of paid leave per year, comprehensive health insurance coverage, family allowances, and a relocation package.