Doctoral Student Programme

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Position Title: Doctoral Student Programme
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: March 15th 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a renowned international research organization established in 195

• It is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics. CERN employs over 2,500 staff members and collaborates with thousands of scientists from around the world, representing more than 100 nationalities. The organization operates in multiple countries and is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the universe through innovative scientific experiments and technologies. Diversity is a core value at CERN, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in the scientific community.

Job Overview:
The Doctoral Student Programme at CERN offers a unique opportunity for students to work on their doctoral thesis while being immersed in groundbreaking scientific research. This program allows students to spend up to 36 months at CERN, engaging with world-class experiments and utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. Candidates specializing in Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing are particularly encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes the use of advanced simulation and data processing techniques, particularly in the context of the NextGen Triggers project, which aims to enhance the physics information derived from the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) data. Participants will have the chance to contribute to the development of innovative data selection strategies for major experiments like ATLAS and CMS, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence techniques to optimize data efficiency and coverage.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As a doctoral student at CERN, you will be expected to engage in a variety of responsibilities that contribute to your thesis work and the broader objectives of the NextGen project. Your duties will include:

• Collaborating with CERN researchers and engineers to develop and implement novel data selection strategies for the ATLAS and CMS experiments.
• Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs to enhance data processing capabilities.
• Conducting research that integrates AI techniques to maximize the efficiency of data storage and analysis.
• Participating in regular meetings and discussions with your CERN supervisor and university thesis supervisor to ensure alignment with your academic goals.
• Documenting your research findings and presenting them at internal seminars and conferences.
• Contributing to the collaborative environment at CERN by sharing knowledge and insights with fellow researchers and students.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Doctoral Student Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, or a national from Non-Member States involved in LHC experiments collaborations.
• Have commenced or be about to commence a doctoral program at a recognized university.
• Ensure that the work conducted at CERN is integral to the thesis work required for obtaining a PhD, with the degree awarded by the university.
• Possess a good command of English or French, as communication within the organization will require proficiency in one of these languages.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a university, with a focus on fields relevant to the work at CERN, such as Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, or Computing. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of these disciplines, enabling students to engage effectively with the advanced research conducted at CERN.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and a keen interest in research related to particle physics, data processing, or related fields. Experience in programming, data analysis, or working with complex scientific instruments will be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Proficiency in English or French is mandatory for all candidates. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The Doctoral Student Programme offers a contract of association for an initial period of 12 months, which is renewable up to a total of 36 months. The total duration may be spread over a maximum of four consecutive years, allowing students to balance their time between CERN and their university. Participants will receive a monthly allowance of 3891 Swiss Francs (net of tax), along with a travel allowance and potential supplements for those with dependents. CERN provides comprehensive health insurance coverage, and students are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month. It is important to note that while CERN supports students during their research, it does not cover any university-related costs or tuition fees.