Software Engineer for CERNBox

What you'll do

This is a graduate position within the QUEST programme, funded by the EOSC4ALL project of the European Commission. It is open to recent graduates in computer science, engineering or a related field. You do not need to tick every box or have every skill listed below, if you are motivated to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Join CERN’s Storage and Data Management Group and help evolve the storage systems behind the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), while learning large-scale storage, cloud-native technologies and open-source software with the support of an experienced team.

You will work on CERNBox, the cloud storage used by the whole CERN community, from scientists to administrative staff. Your main task is to help make it interoperable with research infrastructures across Europe, through the Open Cloud Mesh (OCM) standard, and easy to deploy anywhere using Kubernetes. You will also explore how AI can help users find and use their data.

If you enjoy open standards, open source and building tools that many institutions can adopt, this is the place for you! You will be supported by experienced colleagues and learn from the whole team.

Your responsibilities

Develop and integrate backend and frontend software components.
Package and deploy interoperable services in distributed environments.
Support CERN community: you will join our operations team, troubleshooting incidents and supporting users.
Contribute your code, features and fixes back to the CERNBox open-source projects, working alongside a broader open-source community.
Work with partner institutions and research infrastructures across Europe to test, validate and refine these tools together.
Support users and partner teams as they adopt these tools, helping with troubleshooting and guidance.
Explore and prototype AI/ML capabilities for CERNBox, working with users to identify practical use cases. Prior AI/ML experience is welcome but not required.

Still here? Let's make a quick check about

Your profile

Experience with backend development in Go, and an interest in full-stack development.
Comfortable working in Linux environments and troubleshooting software and systems.
Familiarity with frontend development, ideally using JavaScript/TypeScript and Vue.js.
Software development experience from studies, projects, internships or open-source contributions, with a willingness to take ownership of features and to collaborate with others.
Ability to collaborate with users, technical teams and external partners.
Interest in open-source software, distributed systems and interoperability.
Your studies focused on Computing Engineering.

Your skills

Backend: Go and API development.
Frontend: Modern frameworks such as Vue.js or similar technologies.
Systems: Linux, troubleshooting and software integration.
Cloud-native technologies: Containers, Docker, Kubernetes, Helm and CI/CD pipelines are an advantage.
Collaboration: Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Ideal start date: 01/02/2027

Contract duration (in months): 24

Job flexibility: Fully Onsite

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

You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State. Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot, Croatian and Turkish 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.