Geneva, Switzerland What you'll do
Join the CAFEIN platform team at CERN and help shape the next generation of federated AI technologies used in some of the world’s most advanced scientific environments. In this role, you’ll contribute to R&D on state-of-the-art machine learning, designing, implementing, and evaluating advanced algorithms end to end. The work spans large-scale data pipelines and applied solutions in medical AI, anomaly detection, and complex systems modelling from exploratory research through to deployment.
Your responsibilities
- Translate real-world challenges, medical data analysis, anomaly detection, complex systems modelling, into well-defined ML problems.
- Design, implement, and evaluate state-of-the-art ML models using Python and frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, scikit-learn, and Hugging Face.
- Contribute to the research and development of federated learning methods, agentic AI, and applied ML solutions for tabular, image and signal data.
- Develop applied ML solutions for diverse domains including medical imaging, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance.
- Perform exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and visualisation to support model development and identify new use cases.
- Document methods, write clear reports, publish findings, and communicate results within multidisciplinary R&D teams.
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Your profile
- Strong background in machine learning, statistics, and data science fundamentals.
- Excellent proficiency in Python for ML research and experimentation, with hands-on experience with major frameworks and libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, scikit-learn, Hugging Face).
- Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evaluating state-of-the-art ML algorithms, including transformer-based and agentic architectures.
- Experience conducting ML experiments, benchmarking models, and interpreting results across diverse data modalities (tabular, medical imaging and signal data).
- Practical exposure to federated learning concepts and privacy-preserving or distributed ML approaches is a plus.
- Strong scientific mindset with a track record of reading, understanding, and contributing to research literature.
- Good communication skills to document methods, present results, and collaborate within multidisciplinary R&D teams.
- Your studies focused on Data science, IT, Mathematics or a related field.
Your skills
- Expert knowledge of Python, deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, Hugging Face), and machine learning algorithms.
- Professional knowledge of anomaly detection algorithms, LLMs, RAG systems, Generative AI, and agentic AI approaches.
- Professional knowledge of image segmentation techniques and Graph Neural Networks (GNNs).
- Familiarity with federated learning tools and distributed ML environments.
- Strong communication skills for documenting methods, presenting results, and collaborating in multidisciplinary R&D teams.
- Knowledge of particle accelerator systems or healthcare applications would be an advantage.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Global Benefits at CERN
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.
- 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
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
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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.
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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.