Computer Scientist

In this role, you will contribute to the development of advanced AI methods for efficient data processing in high-energy physics.

You will work on deep learning and tensor-network techniques to help build next-generation software for real-time data analysis, conducting research and development activity as part of a heterogenous team of physicists and computer scientists.

Your responsibilities:

• Research and develop methods to convert conventional neural networks into tensor-network models.
• Explore pruning and quantization approaches to improve the efficiency of tensor-network deployment.
• Contribute to libraries and tools for compressing and deploying neural networks.
• Collaborate with an international, interdisciplinary team of scientists and software engineers.
• Share results through open-source contributions, publications, and conference presentations.

This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile:

• Expertise in deep learning and tensor networks.
• Experience with FPGA programming and/or hardware-aware AI deployment is highly desirable.

Skills:

• Strong programming skills in Python and C++, familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
• 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 Computer Science or related fields (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.

Job closing date: at 23:59 CET.

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-May-2026

This position involves:

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

Job reference: EP-SFT GRAP

Field of work: Data Science & Data Analytics

Benchmark job: Applied Physicist

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.