Job Description

Your responsibilities

At CERN, we push the limits of science and technology to explore the fundamental structure of the universe. The LHCb experiment relies on cutting-edge computing to process vast amounts of experimental data. To enhance energy efficiency in data processing and storage, we are evaluating advanced CPU architectures, co-processors, and next-generation storage solutions. We are seeking a Computing Engineer to lead hardware performance evaluations, software porting, and energy efficiency analysis, driving innovation in sustainable high-performance computing and Data Acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Data-Flow Optimization
  • Port DAQ software to ARM based architecture, focusing on readout components.
  • Evaluate and procure hardware for performance and power analysis with the electronic team.
  • Measure performance and power to assess co-processors or specialized readout cards.
  • Optimize software functionalities for co-processors and conduct further efficiency tests.
• Storage Workload Optimization •
  • Analyze storage configurations (RAID5/6 DAS, JBOD, SDS Erasure Coding) for efficiency.
  • Procure and compare alternative Storage architecture, including RAID accelerators, ARM processors, and smart NICs.
  • Develop benchmark tools to test hardware functionality and energy efficiency.
  • Conduct performance and power tests to determine the most efficient storage solutions.

Your profile

Skills

• Extensive experience in Linux environments
• Experience in high-performance computing, energy-efficient computing, or related fields
• Experience with scripting languages, especially Python, for task automation and data analysis
• Familiarity with Storage Appliances, RAID controllers and SDS storage technologies (e.g., RAID5/6 DAS, JBOD, SDS Erasure Code Pool)
• Familiarity with C/C++ software development for ARM based hardware platforms and co-processor integration would be a plus
• Fluent in English, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Compute Engineer (or a related field) and have either:
  • a Master’s degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
  • or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
• You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 26.03.2025 at 23:59 hrs CET.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-May-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-LBC-2025-31-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.