Data Reduction Physicist (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-146-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
The NGT Real-time Reconstruction Revolution will transform the CMS High-Level Trigger into an offline-quality reconstruction facility processing up to 750 kHz of events.
To make this sustainable, you will lead the design of two complementary data tiers: a low-level reconstructed format that enables trigger rates several times higher than conventional raw-data output while preserving the the option for future reprocessing, and a compact analysis format to save the full 750 kHz stream of online reconstructed events. of CERN
Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!
- The NGT Real-time Reconstruction Revolution will transform the CMS High-Level Trigger into an offline-quality reconstruction facility processing up to 750 kHz of events.
- To make this sustainable, you will lead the design of two complementary data tiers: a low-level reconstructed format that enables trigger rates several times higher than conventional raw-data output while preserving the the option for future reprocessing, and a compact analysis format to save the full 750 kHz stream of online reconstructed events. of CERN
- Your responsibilities:
- Design next-generation data structures that push the limits of data reduction to save 750 kHz while preserving physics performance and analysis flexibility.
- Demonstrated contributions to trigger and/or reconstruction in HEP (or comparable high-throughput scientific software).
- Practical understanding of of end-to-end HEP experiment operations, from detector readout to reconstruction, calibrations, datasets, and final physics results.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities:
- Design next-generation data structures that push the limits of data reduction to save 750 kHz while preserving physics performance and analysis flexibility.
- Ensure all formats are accelerator-native (e.g., structure-of-arrays, SoA) and optimised for high-throughput GPU processing.
- Build an end-to-end framework to rigorously quantify the impact of lossy compression, with clear metrics, reference analyses, and automated regression tests.
- Benchmark compression/decompression under realistic workloads: CPU/GPU cost, I/O throughput, memory footprint, and latency.
- Advance lossless compression, leveraging R³-reconstructed objects and pioneering AI/ML techniques.
Key requirements
- Demonstrated contributions to trigger and/or reconstruction in HEP (or comparable high-throughput scientific software).
- Practical understanding of of end-to-end HEP experiment operations, from detector readout to reconstruction, calibrations, datasets, and final physics results.
- Experience working in a large international collaboration (code review, CI/CD, documentation) is a plus.
- Knowledge with LHC experiments and their data formats is a plus.
- Expertise in data compression techniques is a plus. (lossless and/or lossy).
- Experience applying AI/ML methods (e.g., autoencoders) to data reduction is a plus.
- Proficiency in GPU programming and heterogeneous computing is a plus. Skills:
- High proficiency in C++, Python, and ROOT.
- Solid understanding of event reconstruction, including calibrations and commonly used data formats in HEP.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State .
- You have a professional background in Physics (or a related field) and have either:
Company and context
- 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!
- More information about us, here: careers.cern
Additional details
- To make this sustainable, you will lead the design of two complementary data tiers: a low-level reconstructed format that enables trigger rates several times higher than conventional raw-data output while preserving the the option for future reprocessing, and a compact analysis format to save the full 750 kHz stream of online reconstructed events.
- Proficiency in GPU programming and heterogeneous computing is a plus.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum. Working hours: 40 hours per week Job flexibility: Fully Onsite Target start date: 01-January-2027 Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-146-GRAP Field of work: Applied Physics Benchmark job: 200140
Notes and original content
- Your profile:
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
- Target start date: 01-January-2027
- Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-146-GRAP
- Field of work: Applied Physics
- Benchmark job: 200140
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Genève. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does CERN offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with CERN during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Geneva?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Geneva can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Geneva's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at CERN?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to CERN's original listing at jobs.smartrecruiters.com, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
