Physics Software Developer for Data Analysis (EP-FCC-2025-3-LD)

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

You will join the Future Circular Collider (FCC) group which hosts a team involved in providing software support to the Physics, Experiment and Detector activities for the pre-Technical Design Report (TDR) phase of the Future Circular Collider (FCC), the CERN flagship programme for a post-LHC research infrastructure consisting of a high-intensity e+e- collider operating as a Higgs, Flavour, Top, QCD, and Electroweak factory, synergistically followed by a hadron collider at the highest achievable energy.

Your job will be to take a central role in the FCC software ecosystem, which is the backbone of all current activities in the FCC Physics, Experiment, and Detector (PED) pillar, aiming at the evaluation of the FCC physics potential and of the proposed detector concepts. In particular, you will coordinate and actively participate in the design and implementation of tools and technologies enabling efficient data production, analysis and visualisation, and you will take care of getting sufficient compute/storage resources through IT for the mentioned workflows.

Functions

In this role you will:

• Lead the support, maintenance, and advancement of the FCC analysis software ecosystem by exploring, validating, and integrating new technologies to enhance efficiency, functionality and user-friendliness.
• Establish a large-scale MC production campaign strategy and directly contribute to its implementation.
• Contribute to ensure the provision of adequate computing services in support of the FCC PED activities.
• Oversee the development and improvement of FCC visualization tools, ensuring they meet evolving functional requirements.
• Coordinate contributions to the FCC software ecosystem, ensuring compatibility/synergy of the required software developments with the evolution of the Key4hep common software ecosystem, which is part and parcel of the FCC software.
• Engage actively with the global FCC user community, fostering collaboration and encouraging external contributions to the FCC software ecosystem while organising effective support channels.
• Supervise and coordinate tasks within the domains relevant to FCC software activities, ensuring alignment with the project's broader goals.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Experimental Particle Physics or a related field.

Experience:

Some level of experience in the following areas is mandatory:

• Familiarity with the primary programming languages used in High Energy Physics (HEP), particularly Python and C++.
• Competence in using modern HEP data analysis tools, such as ROOT and PyHEP, and visualization tools, such as Phoenix.
• Experience in web development and database management.
• Practical knowledge of tools and methods involved in all phases of modern, collaborative, open-source software development, including design, coding, code reviews, and testing for large-scale scientific software systems.

Experience in the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Emerging common tools such as the Key4hep ecosystem.
• Monte Carlo generators and physics analyses.
• Offline computing requirements of large HEP experiments.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Development of application software
• Simulation, design and development of data processing and analysis workflows
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: and with state-of-the-art software build and deployment tools.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind Delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations
• 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
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting

Language skills:

Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts. Ability to draw up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.
Ability to understand and speak, or willingness to learn and improve French.

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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 16.02.2025 11:45 PM CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-FCC-2025-3-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

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