Full-Stack Software Engineer

What you'll do

CERN operates the analysis ecosystem used daily by thousands of researchers: the SWAN interactive notebook service, the Rucio data management system, the REANA reproducible-workflow engine, the Zenodo open repository, and CVMFS for software distribution. Building on these services, and as part of the ESCAPE Collaboration.

CERN is developing the next generation of Virtual Research Environments (VRE): a modular, open-source analysis platform, deployed on CERN’s Kubernetes infrastructure, that gives researchers a single entry point to data, software, and computing. The VRE and its associated Open Science Competence Centre are being integrated into the CERN EOSC node, opening the platform to federated user communities across Europe.

This work is funded through the OSCARS project, and as a Graduate you will significantly contribute in consolidating our platform to be production-ready.

Our ultimate goal is a seamless, reproducible analysis environment where researchers can discover and access data, run interactive and batch analyses across heterogeneous resources, and publish their results within one open ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity to work at the core of CERN’s analysis services and shape a platform adopted by research infrastructures well beyond CERN.

Your responsibilities

Working as a software and platform engineer in the team developing and operating the VRE on CERN's cloud infrastructure, alongside the SWAN, Rucio, REANA, and Zenodo service teams.
Hardening Jupyter extensions for Rucio, REANA, and Zenodo into production-ready plugins, with the CERN SWAN service as the reference integration.
Consolidating the unified VRE Helm charts as a common and containerised deployment reference.
Contributing to the integration of the VRE and the Competence Centre into the CERN EOSC node, and engaging with the user communities they serve.
Develop and maintain the Jupyter extensions for Rucio, REANA, and Zenodo (Python, JupyterLab/React), upgrading them into production-ready plugins integrated with CERN's SWAN notebook service.
Support the Competence Centre activities through workshops, training events, and documentation, gathering user feedback and translating it into technical improvements.
Prototype the scaling of interactive analysis to distributed compute: offloading of user sessions to HPC and cloud resources using VirtualKubelet/interLink, leveraging CERN's cloud procurement activities.
Streamline data staging between the distributed data infrastructure and the analysis environment.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience with Python and software development in a Linux environment.
Familiarity with container technologies, such as Docker, and container orchestration with Kubernetes (including Helm).
Familiarity with version control systems, such as Git, and CI/CD practices.
Exposure to authentication and authorisation technologies (for example OAuth2/OIDC, tokens, INDIGO IAM).
Experience contributing to or working with open-source software projects.
Ability to write clear, maintainable code and learn new technologies.
Familiarity with scientific data management or workflow tools (for example Rucio, REANA, Snakemake, or similar) is an asset.
Basic knowledge of web technologies and modern interfaces (for example JavaScript/React or JupyterLab extensions) is an asset.
Exposure to HPC or cloud computing environments is an asset.
Your studies focused on Software Engineering.

Your skills

Python.
Git.
Docker.
Kubernetes.
Linux.
Helm, GitOps, Prometheus.
JupyterHub/JupyterLab, React.
Rucio, REANA, Zenodo, CVMFS.
OAuth2/OIDC, token-based AAI, INDIGO IAM.
Kubeflow, VirtualKubelet/interLink.
Experience working on open source projects.
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

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

Global Benefits at CERN

A monthly net stipend between 5266-5793 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 maximum of 2 years of professional experience since graduation in the respective field and your highest educational qualification is either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You must have a university degree and can’t hold a PhD.
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.