Data Storage R&D Engineer

What you'll do

Join CERN’s Storage and Data Management group, to develop data storage systems for physics experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Storage and Data Management Group is responsible for enabling data access for the laboratory, in particular the long-term archival, preservation and distribution of LHC data to a worldwide scientific community. CERN, take part!

As a Data Storage R&D Engineer you will join the CERN Tape Archive (CTA) team, responsible for the archival and management of 1.5 Exabytes of physics data from the entirety of CERN’s experimental programme. Your job will include R&D, software development and operations tasks.

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Your responsibilities

Analyse metadata and logs to optimise physical data placement on storage media.
Research appropriate mathematical models and propose optimisations to CTA's scheduling algorithms within specified cost constraints.
Develop and maintain software in C++/Linux.
Participate in operations, troubleshooting and support as part of a team.

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Your profile

You have good technical and analytical skills, with a background in algorithms and optimisation.
You have knowledge of statistics, data modelling and data visualisation, as well as experience in software development with C++.
Experience with storage technologies or data management is a bonus.
Prior experience with tape storage systems and robotic libraries is not expected.
Your studies focused on Mathematics or Computer Science.

Your skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including mathematical modelling and optimisation are require.
Experience in software development with C++ and Python is required.
Experience with Linux operating system and command-line tools (e.g. bash shell, grep with regular expressions) is required.
Knowledge of databases (SQL) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
Experience with version control systems (e.g. git) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
Experience with containers (e.g. Kubernetes) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
Knowledge of monitoring tools (e.g. Grafana, Prometheus) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/11/2026

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Employment conditions

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend between 6372-7004 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.

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, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
By the application deadline, you have a master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of professional experience since graduation or a PhD with a maximum of 3 years of professional experience since graduation. You are not eligible with only a bachelor’s degree.
You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
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)
A copy of your most relevant diploma or a certificate of achievement from your school (if you don't yet have your paper diploma)
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.