Scientist or Computing Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research. Established in 1954, CERN has a mission to answer fundamental questions about the universe while pushing the frontiers of science and technology for the benefit of all. The organization employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff from over 100 countries, making it a truly international workplace. CERN operates in multiple countries and collaborates with various scientific institutions globally, contributing significantly to advancements in particle physics and technology.

Job Overview:
The position of Scientist or Computing Engineer at CERN is a pivotal role within the Technical Coordination group of the IT Department. The successful candidate will engage in close collaboration with experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), focusing on co-designing, integrating, and operating innovative computing services. This role is essential for facilitating the adoption of novel solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific computing. The candidate will also play a significant role in engaging with other High Energy Physics experiments and scientific disciplines to share experiences and evolve computing services and infrastructures in a unified direction. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Scientist or Computing Engineer include collaborating with Computing Engineers and Scientists to understand the requirements and challenges faced by LHC experiments regarding distributed computing. The candidate will analyze complex computing systems and co-design novel approaches to address these challenges. Responsibilities also include implementing computing solutions based on modern open-source technologies and integrating them with the LHC experiments' stack. The successful candidate will contribute to the operation of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) and LHC experiment computing services, exploring and applying new techniques such as Artificial Intelligence in anomaly detection to enhance automation and reliability. Additionally, the candidate will engage with non-LHC experiments in High Energy Physics and other scientific fields to share experiences and collaborate on designing a common distributed scientific computing infrastructure. Documenting and presenting findings to stakeholders, contributing to scientific publications, and training the next generation of engineers and scientists who will utilize the WLCG infrastructure are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in Physics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. The ideal candidate should have experience in the design and implementation of large and distributed computing systems. A scientific background or multi-year experience working with scientific communities is considered a strong asset. Solid knowledge of Linux systems, shell scripting, and Python programming is required, along with the capability to work in a dev-ops model. Technical competencies include capturing and analyzing requirements for ICT systems, architecture and design of ICT systems, verification and optimization of ICT architectures, and knowledge of programming techniques and languages, particularly Linux and Python. Familiarity with emerging ICT technologies such as AI and ML is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or PhD in Physics, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a strong foundation in scientific principles and computing technologies, as well as a demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a proven track record in the design and implementation of large and distributed computing systems. Candidates should have a scientific background or several years of experience working with scientific communities, which will greatly enhance their suitability for the role. Experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and engaging with complex scientific projects is highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with a requirement for spoken and written proficiency to understand and communicate effectively in professional contexts. Candidates should be able to draft technical specifications and scientific reports and make oral presentations. While English is essential, a willingness to learn French would be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a limited duration contract for 5 years, with the possibility for holders of limited-duration contracts to apply for an indefinite position, subject to certain conditions. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, and the role may involve working during nights, Sundays, and official holidays as required by the needs of the organization. The job grade for this position is classified as 6-7, and the job reference is IT-TC-LCG-2025-62-LD. Candidates are advised to prepare all necessary documents before starting their application, as they will not be able to upload or edit documents once the application is submitted.