Company Description
At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.
Job Description
Introduction
Are you a skilled and experienced Computing Engineer, interested in working in an exciting international environment at the forefront of modern software engineering? Then join CMS as one of the largest particle physics experiments in the world, and take part in its major upgrade activities to answer questions at the heart of particle physics!
The Experimental Physics (EP) Department carries out research in the field of experimental particle physics, supporting several experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) is a general-purpose particle physics experiment operated by an international collaboration (see cms.cern.ch). The physics reach of the CMS experiment is determined by the capability of the trigger and data acquisition (DAQ) system to select and acquire the most interesting events. The EP-CMD group has major responsibilities for developing, operating and upgrading the trigger and DAQ systems. Areas covered include custom electronics, use of advanced networking and processor technologies, distributed systems and software for acquisition, control and monitoring. The group is also responsible for supporting and maintaining the experiment on-line computer farms, networks and mass storage systems.
During the current Run-3 the group is assuring the efficient operation of the DAQ and control systems of the experiment, the operation of the Global Muon Trigger and the development of a prototype of a novel L1 scouting system. In parallel the group is preparing for the longer-term major Phase-II upgrade of the CMS detector and its trigger and DAQ system, currently foreseen to start operation in 2029. New custom hardware, firmware and software systems are being designed and developed in the DAQ, trigger and scouting domains. The requirements for the Phase-II system are an order of magnitude higher compared to the existing system.
Functions
You will contribute to the maintenance and operation of the on-line software for Run-3 and play a major role in designing new online software for the Phase-2 upgrade, especially in the areas of run control and monitoring. You will leverage modern technologies such as micro-services, containerization, container orchestration and continuous integration to build streamlined software systems that can successfully operate CMS throughout Phase-2.
In particular, your work will entail:
Maintaining and enhancing the services and tools of the DAQ system and the Run Control and Monitoring System.Providing Level-2 support for the above services and tools.Playing a leading role in designing the architecture and implementing the new CMS Run Control System for LHC Phase-2.Supervising and/or coordinating the work of students and other contributors.Contributing to an on-call service, organized between all members of the group, to provide Level-1 support for the CMS DAQ System.Qualifications
Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.
Experience:
Proven experience in development and operation of online-software for trigger and data acquisition systems for particle physics experiments, in particular: run control systems, configuration management, monitoring systems.Proven experience in application development with Java, Python, JavaScript / TypeScript programming languages.Demonstrated experience architecting new ICT solutions.Experience with the containerized deployment of applications and container orchestration.Initial experience in supervising students and coordinating activities in a distributed collaboration.Technical competencies:
Architecture and design of ICT systems: control and data acquisition systems, distributed applications and services, physics data processing and analysis frameworks, in particular distributed control systems, configuration management systems.Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing softwareKnowledge of programming techniques and languages: with proven in-depth expertise in Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, ReactJS.Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: git, GitLab, CI.Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems.Behavioural competencies:
Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; producing workable and timely solutions that meet requirements.Working in teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals. Working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities.Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.Language skills:
Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.
Additional Information
Eligibility and closing date:
Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.
This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 22.01.2024
Employment Conditions
Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.
These functions require:
Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.Interventions in underground installations.Job grade: 6-7
Job reference: EP-CMD-2023-176-LD
Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer