High-Level Trigger Calibration Scientist (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-150-GRAP) — CERN
- Location
- Genève
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 6 days ago
Role overview
The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment's High-Level Trigger, as deployed during the LHC's 2009-2026 running period, reconstructs high-energy proton-proton collision events using detector conditions that often lag behind the best available calibrations.
Closing that gap by delivering near-real-time, offline-quality calibrations to the online system, also known as "Optimal Calibrations," is one of the central challenges of High-Luminosity (HL)-LHC operations, and it is the challenge this role will face.
This position is part of the Next-Generation Trigger programme . of CERN
- The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment's High-Level Trigger, as deployed during the LHC's 2009-2026 running period, reconstructs high-energy proton-proton collision events using detector conditions that often lag behind the best available calibrations.
- Closing that gap by delivering near-real-time, offline-quality calibrations to the online system, also known as "Optimal Calibrations," is one of the central challenges of High-Luminosity (HL)-LHC operations, and it is the challenge this role will face.
- Your responsibilities
- Work with the CMS Detector Performance Groups (DPGs) and Physics Object Groups (POGs) to develop new and improve calibration algorithms.
- Experience in the design, development, and validation of calibration workflows for high-energy physics experiments.
Main responsibilities
- Your responsibilities
- Work with the CMS Detector Performance Groups (DPGs) and Physics Object Groups (POGs) to develop new and improve calibration algorithms.
- Maintain the successful NGT Demonstrator System, developed during LHC Run 3, ensuring it remains operational and capable of running in replay mode against archived data throughout Long Shutdown 3.
- Building on the NGT Demonstrator System experience, contribute to the design of a realistic, production-grade NGT Data Acquisition and Calibration System implementing the Optimal Calibrations required for CMS's High-Level Trigger during the HL-LHC era.
- This includes exploring the design space across different compute and storage availability scenarios.
- Integrate and test the production-grade system within the CMS online infrastructure, working closely with system administrators and software engineers to ensure seamless compatibility.
- Conduct thorough testing of the NGT system in a realistic environment, simulating various LHC and CMS operational scenarios to assess performance and reliability.
- Produce detailed reports evaluating the impact of improved online calibrations on the physics performance of the High-Level Trigger.
- This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
Key requirements
- Experience in the design, development, and validation of calibration workflows for high-energy physics experiments.
Application process
- Knowledge and application of Python and C++ programming, as well as database management systems.
- Experience with Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) systems, including their hardware and associated tools.
- Practical experience developing software algorithms within an integrated framework.
- Proficient use of software development tools (e.g.
- GitHub, GitLab) and continuous integration practices. Skills
- Knowledge of modern Git, Python, and C++.
- Basic knowledge of DevOps and Continuous Integration (CI).
- Familiarity with high-energy collider and detector operations.
Company and context
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-150-GRAP Field of work: Applied Physics Benchmark job: 200140 Applied Physicist Global Benefits
- A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month depending on your degree.
- 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 and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
- Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
- On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
- 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.
Additional details
- This position is part of the Next-Generation Trigger programme .
- GitHub, GitLab) and continuous integration practices.
- 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:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-150-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:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
- Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-150-GRAP
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?
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