Applied Physicist (Computing)

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 Experimental Physics (EP) department at CERN. The EP-LBC (LHCb computing) group works for delivering high quality computing for the LHCb needs.
As an applied physicist specialized in software development with a background in physics analysis, you will take part in the design, development, testing and operation of a rich software suite, in the context of LHCb offline processing. 

Functions

As an applied physicist in the EP-LBC group, you will:

• Be in charge of the development of application software, in the context of the needs of the LHCb core and distributed computing groups.
• Be able to act as liaison between the requirements of LHCb data analysts interfacing with LHCb distributed computing infrastructure.
• Be using, possibly refactoring, testing, diagnosing, optimizing and integrating existing software, and while doing so you are expected to know about software life-cycle tools and procedures.
• Be in charge of creating new software solutions, or fully replace existing ones.
• Work within a small team of applied physicists and software developers.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of software development for experimental physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated working experience in software development using the Python programming language.
• Extensive hands-on experience of software and techniques for High Energy Physics data analysis.
• Experience with the DIRAC software is a plus.

Technical competencies:

• Development of application software: in particular for distributed computing.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: (mainly Python).
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures.
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Solving problems: being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes; addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• Demonstrating flexibility: readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working; demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.
• Working in teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: proposing ways to improve or streamline existing procedures, processes and methodologies; being receptive to others' ideas and building on them.

Language skills:

• Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in English.
• Ability to understand and speak French in professional contexts, or the willingness to acquire it.

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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 08.12.2021

Employment Conditions

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

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-LBC-2021-125-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further