Developer for the CMS Level-1 Trigger (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-157-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
In preparation for the High-Luminosity LHC phase, the CMS collaboration is working on an ambitious upgrade of the first stage of its online selection system, the Level-1 (L1) trigger.
The upgraded system will use powerful FPGA processors connected through a high-bandwidth network, paving the way for more sophisticated online algorithms such as Particle Flow reconstruction.
By joining the team, you will contribute to the development of these algorithms, their implementation in firmware, and the evaluation of their physics performance. of CERN
- In preparation for the High-Luminosity LHC phase, the CMS collaboration is working on an ambitious upgrade of the first stage of its online selection system, the Level-1 (L1) trigger.
- The upgraded system will use powerful FPGA processors connected through a high-bandwidth network, paving the way for more sophisticated online algorithms such as Particle Flow reconstruction.
- Your responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development of algorithms for the CMS Level-1 (L1) trigger.
- Experience in FPGA firmware development using HDL and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools.
- Experience in data analysis, preferably in the field of high-energy physics.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development of algorithms for the CMS Level-1 (L1) trigger.
- Integrate and maintain contributions from other developers to support collaborative project development.
- Evaluate the physics performance of the algorithms and contribute to the development of monitoring systems.
- Participate in the hardware testing and installation of the upgraded trigger system.
- Collaborate closely with members of the CMS L1 trigger groups at CERN.
- Present project progress and results at collaboration meetings, workshops, and international conferences.
- This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
Key requirements
- Experience in FPGA firmware development using HDL and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools.
- Experience in data analysis, preferably in the field of high-energy physics.
- Practical experience in developing and applying machine learning solutions to real-world problems.
- Experience with Continuous Integration (CI) and quality assurance techniques and tools.
- Familiarity with trigger or data acquisition systems and their associated hardware, such as high-speed optical links, would be an advantage. Skills:
- Proficiency in software development using C++, Python, and Git is required.
- Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques, including ROOT and machine learning frameworks, is required.
- Experience with the following software and technologies would be an advantage: Vivado Design Suite, Vivado/Vitis High-Level Synthesis (HLS), GitLab, and continuous integration workflows.
- Strong collaborative skills and effective communication are essential.
- 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
- By joining the team, you will contribute to the development of these algorithms, their implementation in firmware, and the evaluation of their physics performance.
- Familiarity with trigger or data acquisition systems and their associated hardware, such as high-speed optical links, would be an advantage.
- 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: Hybrid Target start date: 01-January-2027 This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations. Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-157-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: Hybrid
- Target start date: 01-January-2027
- This position involves:
- Interventions in underground installations.
- Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-157-GRAP
Questions about this listing
What salary does CERN offer for this role?
CERN lists CHF 63'000 - 107'500 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?
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