Computing and Software Engineer

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.

Introduction

In this role you will lead the design, development, and optimization of software frameworks and reconstruction algorithms for the LHCb High Level Trigger and Real-Time Analysis. Your work will ensure efficient, high-performance data processing during LHC Run and prepare the computing systems for the increased demands of Run

Functions

• Play a leading role in the development, operation, and consolidation of the LHCb High-Level Trigger and Real-Time Analysis systems during Run 4, laying the foundation for the next phase.
• Design, develop, and optimize next-generation software frameworks and reconstruction algorithms to meet the increased performance and scalability requirements of Run 5.
• Implement and validate algorithms that take full advantage of modern, highly parallel computing architectures, including multi-core CPUs and GPUs, to process data in real time.
• Profile, monitor, and optimize software performance to ensure efficiency, reliability, and scalability under high-throughput, high-luminosity conditions.
• Engage in performance studies and R&D to explore emerging technologies and methods that can enhance real-time data processing capabilities for future LHCb upgrades.
• Collaborate closely with physicists, computing experts, and detector specialists to translate experimental and physics requirements into robust and efficient computing solutions.
• Contribute to all stages of the software development lifecycle - from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, deployment, and long-term maintenance.
• Participate in the integration and validation of new software releases within large-scale distributed computing environments.
• Ensure high-quality documentation of software components, maintain configuration control, and contribute to internal knowledge sharing.
• Promote best practices in coding, testing, and software design, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across the team.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to team members and collaborators, helping to disseminate expertise within the LHCb computing community.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or Computer Science or a related field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in software development of High Energy Physics (HEP) event data processing frameworks. Experience with the LHCb software is an advantage.
• Proven understanding of HEP high-level trigger and offline event selection frameworks, and of event selection criteria.
• Experience with developing software for heterogenous architectures.
• Experience in software engineering practices (test driven development, version and release management, quality assurance).
• Familiarity in HEP data calibration and/or analysis procedure.

Technical competencies:

• Simulation, design and development of trigger, data acquisition chains.
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software.
• Development of application software.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Working in Teams: supporting and acting in accordance with team decisions; accepting joint responsibility for team successes and shortcomings.
• Working in Teams: debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Demonstrating Accountability: presenting information accurately and objectively.
• Managing Self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility and closing date:

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-LBD LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer