Applied Physicist

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Position Title: Applied Physicist
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. It employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the globe. CERN operates in multiple countries and is known for its groundbreaking work in particle physics, utilizing the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments to study fundamental particles and their interactions.

Job Overview:
The Applied Physicist position is part of the CMS experiment, which is enhancing its real-time data processing capabilities in preparation for the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) era. The role is centered around the NextGen Triggers project, focusing on the development of Structure of Arrays (SoA)-based data layouts for heterogeneous event reconstruction in CMSSW. The successful candidate will implement advanced C++ metaprogramming techniques to optimize GPU memory throughput, data transfer efficiency, and real-time event processing. This position is crucial for integrating SoA structures into both trigger-level and offline workflows, thereby contributing to the scalability and performance of the CMS software framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Applied Physicist include designing and maintaining SoA-friendly data structures using modern C++ (C++20), employing metaprogramming techniques such as Boost Preprocessor, type traits, and templates, as well as GPU-optimized best practices. The candidate will integrate SoA data layouts into online event reconstruction algorithms, working closely with the NextGen Triggers team, CMSSW Framework core team, and reconstruction developers. Additionally, the role involves optimizing memory management and data transfer strategies to enhance both real-time and offline performance, ensuring efficient GPU coalescence and minimal data copies. The candidate will also collaborate with ROOT developers on RNTuple integration and contribute to software maintainability through rigorous testing, documentation, and design reviews.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in modern C++, including templates, traits, and metaprogramming. Familiarity with GPU programming (e.g., CUDA, HIP, Alpaka) is essential. Experience with large-scale software frameworks, data-structure optimization, and performance profiling is also required. Eligibility criteria include being a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, with a limited number of positions available for candidates from Non-Member States. A professional background in Physics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is necessary, along with 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. Candidates must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or a PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. The Master's degree should be accompanied by 2 to 6 years of relevant post-graduation professional experience, while a PhD should have no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years of post-graduation professional experience for candidates with a Master's degree. For those with a PhD, no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience is required. Candidates should have experience in software development, particularly in the context of large-scale software frameworks and performance optimization.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment, as CERN operates in both English and French.

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, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• The job reference for this position is EP-CMG-DS-2025-23-GRAP. The compensation includes a monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax), coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme for the employee and their family, and various allowances depending on individual circumstances. Employees are entitled to 30 days of paid leave per year and will receive on-the-job and formal training at CERN, as well as in-house language courses.