Lead Simulation Physicist - High-Performance Detector Simulation (EP-SFT-2026-136-LD) — CERN
CHF 83'500 - 126'500
CERN · Geneva, GENEVA, Switzerland (GE)
- Location
- Geneva
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 11 days ago
SalaryCHF 83'500 - 126'500
Role overview
Introduction: In this role you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and validating physics simulation software used to model particle interactions in high-energy physics (HEP) detectors.
Working within the Geant4 Simulation team, you will contribute to ongoing efforts to extend physics coverage, improve modelling capabilities, and enhance computing performance.
A major focus of the role is the development of detector and physics simulations for GPU and other parallel computing architectures, supporting the growing computational demands of the High-Luminosity LHC and future experiments.
- Introduction: In this role you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and validating physics simulation software used to model particle interactions in high-energy physics (HEP) detectors.
- Working within the Geant4 Simulation team, you will contribute to ongoing efforts to extend physics coverage, improve modelling capabilities, and enhance computing performance.
Application process
- Development of application software.
- Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software: unit tests, physics regression tests, GPU profiling.
- Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: would be considered an advantage (e.g.
- GitLab CI, JIRA, Spack or Conda). Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Learning and Sharing Knowledge: sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer.
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
- Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
Company and context
- 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.
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- Job grade: 6-7 Job reference: EP-SFT-2026-136-LD Field of work: Experimental Physics Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist Global Benefits
- A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
- Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.
Additional details
- You will play an important role in advancing both physics models and the efficiency of their implementation in high-performance computing environments.
- PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.
- Experience in supervising and managing external contributors would be considered an advantage. Technical competencies:
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: C++, CUDA, Python.
- GitLab CI, JIRA, Spack or Conda). Behavioural competencies:
- Solving Problems: finding the information needed to solve problems; making objective judgments based on all the facts available.
Notes and original content
- Experience:
- Experience in supervising and managing external contributors would be considered an advantage.
- Technical competencies:
- GitLab CI, JIRA, Spack or Conda).
- Behavioural competencies:
- Language skills:
- Overview of CERN
