Software Engineer for High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL)

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Position Title: Software Engineer for High Granularity Calorimeter (HGCAL)
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 13.03.2025

Job Details

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, CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics. The organization is dedicated to probing the fundamental structure of the universe, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the basic constituents of matter.

Job Overview:
The position involves joining the CMS HGCAL software and reconstruction team as the LHC transitions into the High Luminosity era (HL-LHC). The CMS experiment is undergoing significant upgrades, particularly with the development of the high-granularity calorimeter (HGCAL). This role focuses on developing and optimizing high-performance event-reconstruction algorithms that are crucial for the experiment's capabilities. The successful candidate will work on advanced algorithms to enhance the accuracy of particle identification and energy reconstruction, ensuring that the software solutions can handle the high pileup and radiation levels expected at HL-LHC. The position also includes responsibilities for team supervision, making it essential for the candidate to have strong leadership and collaborative skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop advanced algorithms, including machine learning and graph-based methods, to improve the accuracy of hadronic and electromagnetic energy reconstruction, particle identification, and timing reconstruction.
• Contribute to the design of solutions for both online and offline HGCAL event reconstruction, focusing on clusterization and shower reconstruction within the TICL reconstruction framework.
• Integrate developed algorithms into the CMS software framework (CMSSW), ensuring compatibility with evolving trigger and offline workflows.
• Coordinate with external collaborators and institute teams to integrate new ideas and ensure that the code is well-documented, maintainable, and aligned with CMS software standards.
• Ensure the implementation of cutting-edge, scalable solutions to manage the high pileup and radiation levels expected at HL-LHC.
• Supervise team members and provide guidance on project-related tasks and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in C++ and Python programming languages.
• Familiarity with GPU programming (CUDA, Alpaka, SYCL) is a strong advantage.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, is a plus.
• Knowledge of CMSSW or large-scale software development in physics experiments is a strong advantage.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative spirit to work effectively in a diverse, international team.
• Ability to document results clearly and provide user-friendly instructions for users.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a professional background in Physics or a related field. They should possess either a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience. It is also required that candidates have never held a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant professional experience in the field of Physics or a related area. Specifically, candidates with a Master's degree should have between 2 to 6 years of post-graduation experience, while those with a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation experience. This experience should ideally include work related to software development, algorithm design, and possibly experience in high-energy physics experiments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the primary language of communication at CERN. Knowledge of French is considered a good asset, as it can facilitate communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 24 months, with a possible extension of up to 36 months maximum. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the target start date for the position is April 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is EP-CMG-DS-2025-24-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging from 6287 to 6911 Swiss Francs (net of tax), comprehensive health coverage for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and have access to on-the-job and formal training opportunities at CERN.