Software Engineer in Physics Simulation

What you'll do

We are offering a position in the Physics Software Engineering section of the Computing for Experiments group in the CERN IT department (IT-CE-PSE) on Performance Software Engineering in the realm of high energy physics data simulation.

The work on this post will be carried out in the context of the NextGen project, a collaboration between the LHC experiments and the CERN Research and Computing Departments. NextGen explores the use and impact of high-performance computing architectures in data simulation and data processing for the LHC experiments with a focus on the upcoming High Luminosity (HL-LHC) data taking phase at the CERN Large Hadron Collider.

The simulation of particle collisions is one of the main consumers of computing resources for LHC experiments. Given the expected increase in the required statistics, accuracy and complexity for future simulation, and to stay within the forecasted computing budget, the throughput of simulation software packages needs to increase substantially.

The successful candidate will join a team of software engineers and physicists that addresses this challenge. Together, you will speed up software packages for Monte Carlo (MC) event generation with a focus on the Madgraph event generator suite. Current and future tasks tackled by the team are at the intersection of theoretical/computational physics and computer science. In order to profit from the latest computing hardware, adaptations or re-engineering of software in aspects such as data structures, parallelisation of the workflow or task scheduling are needed. This work is guided by the requirements of experimental analyses and takes into account the latest developments in theoretical predictions.

In case of interest, training on data science, programming languages, software engineering concepts and computing architectures is available and can be provided via various training programs.

Your responsibilities

Analyse and profile existing simulation code bases and develop strategies for improving their throughput.
Implement latest software engineering concepts, leveraging on compute accelerators such as GPUs, modern CPU architectures and heterogeneous compute platforms.
Interact and collaborate with experts in the theory, experimental physics and software engineering communities at CERN and world-wide.
Supervise students on software development tasks and projects.

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Your profile

Proficiency in working with computing hardware accelerators and modern computing architectures, including heterogeneous compute platforms.
A proven track record in performance software engineering for simulation applications in C++ and GPU programming languages such as CUDA or HIP.
Knowledge of state of the art profiling tools for heterogeneous computing architectures.
Experience with the Madgraph event generator software as a developer or user is highly valued.
Preferably a PhD in Theoretical or Particle Physics or Master's Degree with equivalent work experience with a strong background in numerical simulation.

Your skills

Proficiency in modern C++ (up to C++23), GPU programming with CUDA and HIP, and Python for scripting, analysis and tooling is essential.
Knowledge of hard scattering processes and the perturbative order of their matrix element calculations in Monte Carlo event generators is strongly desirable.
Familiarity with Fortran is an advantage.
Fluent in English.
Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Ideal start date: 01/01/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Team supervision

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 of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree and years of post-graduation 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 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

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.