Online Software Developer (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-153-GRAP)

Job Description

As a Software Developer, you will contribute to the upgrade of the CMS data acquisition system for the High-Luminosity LHC. You will design and develop software for FPGA-based electronics platforms, enabling the configuration, control and monitoring of the Trigger and Timing Control and Distribution System (TCDS). Working closely with electronics engineers, physicists and other stakeholders, you will contribute to requirements gathering, the production of detailed documentation, and direct participation in the preparation and execution of system tests at progressively larger scales, in view of deploying the production system in 2028.

Your responsibilities

• In collaboration with other members of the group and CMS collaborators, develop software to configure, control, and monitor the different components of the TCDS system. This requires close interaction with hardware components.
• Contribute to the setup and operation of DAQ test systems to validate the different parts of the design.
• Maintain and improve software repositories and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) infrastructure.
• Contribute to the installation and commissioning of the Phase-2 DAQ system between 2027 and 2029.
• Provide support to the CMS community for the commissioning of sub-detector data acquisition components.

Your profile

• Proficiency in designing and developing complex applications in Python and C++, including user-facing and REST-based interfaces.
• Experience with system programming and interaction with computer hardware.
• Experience developing software in collaborative environments and with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices.  
• Familiarity with firmware development using hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog would be an asset.
• Some exposure to the challenges of data acquisition systems in modern high energy physics (HEP) experiments would be an asset.

Skills

• Proficiency in Python and modern C++.
• Proven background in collaborative software development and DevOps practices.
• Practical experience with web UI development using JavaScript, TypeScript, and related modern frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, present design options, work plans and status reports, and produce clear documentation.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Software Engineering or Applied Physics (or a related field) and have 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.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 11.10.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-January-2027

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-153-GRAP

Field of work: Information Technologies

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
• 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
• A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
• On-the-job and formal training including language classes.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

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Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

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