Computing Engineer for LHCb (EP-LBC-2025-112-LD)

Company Description

At CERN , the European Organisation 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. 

Job Description

Introduction

Are you a Computing Engineer with a passion for challenging projects in the field of particle physics experiments? Do you have experience in designing, developing, and operating distributed computing systems in a large scientific programme or in an industrial environment? Then seize the opportunity and join the LHCb Team in CERN's Experimental Physics Department. You will become a core software engineer for the design, development, maintenance, and operations of the experiment's distributed workload and data management ecosystem. Handling millions of jobs, and billions of files, you will contribute to the world’s largest open science data infrastructure.

You will join:

• The Experimental Physics (EP) Department, which carries out basic research in the field of experimental particle physics in a stimulating scientific atmosphere, standing as an important reference for the European physics community; it also contributes to the education and training of young scientists.
• The LHCb Computing group (LBC), which has major responsibilities in the development, operation, maintenance, and future upgrades of LHCb Software & Computing systems.

Functions

You will:

• Take a leading role in the development, operation, maintenance, and future upgrades of the Dirac interware for the needs of the LHCb Experiment; this includes a wide variety of software engineering tasks to ensure readiness of the system for the needs of LHCb U2, and development of features specifically required for LHCb Distributed Computing.
• Contribute to all aspects of the central operation of the LHCb Experiment's distributed computing system.
• Engage with the workflow management efforts of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG) and drive their evolution towards the needs of LHCb.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Dirac open-source community activity.
• Help with LHCb Core Software tasks like the modernisation of the LHCb software deployment model.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computing engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in the design, development and operation of large-scale distributed systems for scientific experiments;
• Demonstrated experience with the Python programming language and SQL-based databases, especially for systems with large request volumes and high interaction rates;
• Demonstrated experience with Web Development Frameworks;
• Experience in utilising and managing High Performance Computing (HPC) systems;
• Experience using modern development processes for distributed teams, such as iterative development, code review, and CI/CD;
• Experience of common WLCG frameworks and systems, such as HTCondorCE, ARC would be an advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Architecture and design of ICT systems: in particular in the context of data life cycle management;
• Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems;
• Knowledge of system configuration tools: in the context of large-scale distributed computing systems such as Kubernetes & GitOps-based system deployments;
• Development of application software;
• Knowledge of best practices for implementing ICT security standards and policies: such as OAuth or JWTs.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating effectively: demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Managing self: demonstrating a receptive approach to feedback; being open to criticism and reconsidering position accordingly.
• Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; sharing and letting others participate in own work/project; encouraging team development.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn 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. 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 06.07.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

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 Organisation.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-LBC-2025-112-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer