Machine Learning Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is at the forefront of scientific research and technological innovation. 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 operates in multiple countries and is known for its collaborative environment that fosters innovation and scientific discovery. CERN's mission is to uncover the fundamental structure of the universe through high-energy particle physics, and it plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the cosmos.

Job Overview:
The Machine Learning Engineer position at CERN is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation systems that handle vast amounts of data generated by CERN's physics experiments. The role involves designing and operating shared AI platforms that leverage open-source innovation, cloud-native technologies, and high-performance computing. The engineer will work on the Next Generation Triggers (NGT) project, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) and beyond. This position requires collaboration with various teams at CERN to identify and prototype AI use cases, ensuring that the machine learning platform supports a wide range of experiments and services. The engineer will also be responsible for building and maintaining an open-source-based AI/MLOps ecosystem, which includes managing the lifecycle of models and engaging with both open-source communities and industry partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and develop the central machine learning (ML) platform at CERN, ensuring it meets the needs of various experiments and user communities.
• Collaborate with CERN teams to identify, prototype, and benchmark AI use cases across heterogeneous computing infrastructures.
• Build and maintain an open-source-based AI/MLOps ecosystem, focusing on model and agent lifecycle management, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Support activities in the Next Generation Triggers (NGT) project, contributing to the development of systems for the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC).
• Engage with open-source communities and industry partners to foster collaboration and innovation in machine learning applications.
• Ensure the platform is scalable and efficient, optimizing performance for training and inference workloads, particularly with GPU or accelerator-based systems.
• Provide technical support and guidance to researchers and users of the ML platform, facilitating the integration of AI into their experiments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience with machine learning systems and platforms, particularly in the practical operation of ML services. A strong understanding of MLOps and cloud-native technologies, including Kubernetes, containers, CI/CD, and observability, is essential. Familiarity with open-source ecosystems and a commitment to contributing to community projects is also required. Candidates should be comfortable working with Linux-based systems and have knowledge of system configuration tools. The ability to identify and select relevant emerging ICT technologies, as well as knowledge of software life-cycle tools and procedures, is important for this role.

Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computing Engineering or a related field. Those without a university degree are not eligible, and applicants with a PhD are also not eligible for this position. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in computing principles and practices relevant to machine learning and data processing.

Experience:
Candidates should have a maximum of two years of professional experience since graduation. This experience should be relevant to the field of computing engineering, particularly in areas related to machine learning and data processing. The position is designed for early-career professionals who are looking to advance their skills and contribute to cutting-edge research at CERN.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Candidates should also 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, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months. Working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the job offers a hybrid working model. The target start date for this position is December 1, 202

• The role may require stand-by duty and work during nights, Sundays, and official holidays, depending on the needs of the organization. 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 a relocation package based on individual circumstances.