CERN seeks a Senior Applied Physicist to develop firmware and algorithms for CMS inner detectors, supporting the High Luminosity LHC upgrade in Geneva.
This position focuses on the technical development and operational support of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) inner detectors. The successful candidate will design and maintain real-time algorithms and FPGA firmware for luminosity measurement, beam monitoring, and tracker calibration, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the detector systems for the High Luminosity LHC era.
Responsibilities
- Create, implement, and upkeep firmware and real-time processing algorithms for various CMS back-end electronics platforms.
- Conduct laboratory validation tests for both front-end detectors and associated back-end electronic components.
- Perform functional detector tests during integration phases at the Tracker Integration Facility.
- Plan and direct test campaigns, managing preparatory work and on-site coordination efforts.
- Lead investigations into detector efficiency, calibration accuracy, and long-term operational stability.
- Manage technical interfaces between detector systems, trigger mechanisms, timing electronics, and data acquisition networks.
- Provide supervision and structured technical mentorship to students and fellows, including recruitment activities.
- Identify future technical and operational requirements and maintain active engagement with collaborating institutes.
Requirements
- A PhD degree or equivalent professional experience in Physics or a closely related discipline.
- Practical background in detector laboratory work, electronics prototyping, and test beam operations.
- Extensive expertise in FPGA firmware development using VHDL or comparable hardware description languages, alongside real-time data processing.
- Proven capability to integrate, debug, and troubleshoot complex systems involving firmware, software, and detector hardware.
- Experience in data analysis, specifically regarding detector efficiency, calibration studies, and statistical methods.
- Prior experience in supervising or mentoring students or junior team members.
- A solid foundational understanding of electronics principles.
- Strong organizational and planning capabilities.
- Ability to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
- A commitment to learning the French language.
- Possession of a valid driving license.
Nice to have
- Previous experience in FPGA firmware development specifically within the context of particle physics detectors.
What the company offers
- A competitive, tax-free salary that increases based on years of relevant professional experience.
- 30 days of paid annual leave, supplemented by two weeks of annual facility closure.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee, spouse, and children through CERN’s scheme.
- Membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
- Monthly allowances for family, children, and infants, subject to individual circumstances.
- A relocation package covering installation grants, removal costs, and travel expenses.
- The possibility to extend the contract up to eight years and eligibility for indefinite tenure.
About the company
CERN is a dynamic and inclusive community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. Since its foundation, diversity has remained a core value, fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive across all levels of the organization.
- Diversity is a foundational value central to the organization's mission.
- The workplace encourages innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
- The community is dynamic and inclusive, focused on advancing scientific frontiers.
How to apply
Documents to submit:
Application language: English
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