Computer Scientist – Open Science/Analysis Facilities

What you'll do

Are you passionate about enabling open science through advanced computing services, data infrastructures and collaborative research environments? Do you enjoy combining hands-on technical work with engagement across diverse scientific communities?

Join CERN’s IT Department and contribute to the development of scientific computing services supporting analysis facilities, open data and interoperable research infrastructures.

The Collaborative Applications Group (IT-CA) provides platforms and services enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing and scientific information management across CERN and its communities. Within IT-CA, the Institutional Repositories section (IT-CA-IR) develops and operates services for research data, publications, open science and institutional knowledge. The section is also building and coordinating the EOSC CERN Node, CERN’s contribution to the European Open Science Cloud ecosystem.

Your responsibilities

Contribute to the technical design, development and operation of analysis facilities supporting scalable and reproducible scientific analysis workflows.
Design and implement Virtual Research Environments (VREs) combining data management, workflow execution, software distribution and analysis services.
Contribute to federated scientific data infrastructures, including data lake concepts, distributed data management and large-scale data access.
Support and coordinate technical activities with scientific communities involved in open science data challenges, including particle physics and external research infrastructures, and contribute to the technical coordination role in the ESCAPE collaboration.
Develop and maintain software components, service integrations and operational tooling for scientific computing services, including cloud-native deployments and automation.
Promote common solutions and best practices across communities, contributing to competence centres, working groups and collaborative technical forums.
Work with research infrastructures and scientific domains such as particle physics, astronomy, astroparticle physics, among others to translate requirements into robust computing solutions.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Development and operation of scientific computing platforms or research services.
Analysis facilities, distributed analysis environments or interactive scientific workflows.
Large-scale data management, data lake architectures or federated infrastructures.
Integration of research data services, repositories, workflow platforms or authentication and authorisation systems.
Technical collaboration with scientific communities or international research infrastructures.
Familiarity with open science, FAIR data principles, research repositories or EOSC-related services would be an advantage.
Experience in a coordinating role in distributed scientific communities around data analysis and data management would be an asset.
Experience with tools such as Rucio, REANA, CVMFS, Notebook technology (e.g. JupyterLab), or Zenodo/InvenioRDM would be an asset.
Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Software Engineering, Physics or a related field.

Your skills

Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: for scientific computing services, particularly in Python, with familiarity in web technologies such as JavaScript and React.
Architecture and design of ICT systems: Design, deployment and operation of distributed systems and cloud-native applications.
Knowledge of operating systems: Knowledge of containerisation and orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes and Helm.
Data-intensive computing, data management and federated data access.
Experience with analysis platforms, workflow systems or Virtual Research Environments.
Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions.
Cooperates constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balances personal goals with team goals.
Checks to ensure that the message has been well understood.
Addresses complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
Drives work / projects along and sees them through to their conclusion.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration (in months): 60

Grade range: 6

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Let's get you ready

Be sure to meet the eligibility criteria

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals for positions with a 2026 start date, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

You will need these documents to complete your application

Your CV (English or French)
Any document you consider relevant to your application

Your CERNDepartment

The IT Department designs, operates, and evolves CERN’s core computing and digital infrastructure. It provides the large-scale data processing, storage, networking, and collaboration services that enable CERN’s scientific programme. The Department supports the LHC and non-LHC experiments, accelerator systems, and the wider CERN community, while advancing new computing technologies through research, development, and strategic partnerships.

Overview of CERN

Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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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Still have a doubt ? Here are the most frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my first week at CERN?

Your onboarding at CERN includes a comprehensive induction programme, which starts with an official welcome session at the beginning of each month. In addition, you will receive important information both before and after your arrival to ensure a smooth transition into your new role. This process is designed to help you get acquainted with CERN’s environment, your team, and the tools and systems you’ll be using.
How big would the team be?

The size of the team you'll be working with at CERN depends on the specific role and department. Some teams are small and highly specialized, while others are larger and more interdisciplinary. During the interview process, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the team structure for the position you are applying for.
What is the working language at CERN?

The working languages at CERN are English and French. However, it is not always mandatory to speak both languages to work at CERN. We offer language training to help you acquiring the other language.
What support does CERN provide for relocation?

CERN does not offer direct assistance with relocation. However, depending on your role and specific criteria, you may be eligible for certain benefits such as an installation allowance and coverage of travel expenses to join CERN. These benefits are designed to help ease the transition when relocating to the Geneva area. For more information, please consult the “Salary, Benefits and Support“ page.
Do I need a visa to work at CERN?

Whether you need a visa to work at CERN depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. CERN assists with the necessary visa and work permit processes for its employees and visitors. The specific requirements will be communicated to you during the recruitment process.
What would my salary be?

Salaries at CERN are determined by a structured scale. Salaries are based on your role, qualifications, and experience, and are not subject to negotiation. Specific details will be provided as your application progresses. For more information, please refer to the dedicated page.