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

Are you a Computing Engineer or Applied Physicist with expertise in computational physics software? Ready to shape the future of particle accelerators and contribute to groundbreaking projects like the Future Circular e+/e- Collider (FCCee)?

Join CERN’s dynamic team of applied physicists and engineers to design and develop cutting-edge methods and software for beam dynamics studies. Work at the forefront of beam physics and operations at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. This is your chance to make an impact—take part! You’ll become part of the Accelerators and Beam Physics (ABP) group within CERN’s Beams department, responsible for optimizing beam performance across the entire CERN accelerator chain, from the source to the LHC. The ABP group also leads cutting-edge R&D for future accelerator projects, including the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC), Future Circular Colliders (FCC), the Muon Collider study, and novel acceleration techniques (AWAKE).

In the Computational Accelerator Physics (CAP) section, you’ll specialize in developing and supporting advanced software tools that enable the simulation, design, and optimization of particle accelerators. These tools are key to pushing the boundaries of accelerator performance and shaping the next generation of machines. Aligned with the vision of the updated European Strategy for Particle Physics, CERN is designing a future collider for the post LHC era. Your work will play a critical role in advancing the complex numerical simulations and software required to bring this vision to life.

Functions

• Develop and maintain the CERN software stack for accelerator design and for beam dynamics simulation.
• Develop numerical methods and software tools for modelling physical phenomena relevant for the FCCee design (for example radiation, spin, collimation, collective effects).
• Build and maintain integrated and flexible accelerator models (layout, optics, matching and correction procedures, aperture, magnetic imperfections, misalignments, impedance models, collimation configuration etc.) to be used for simulation studies and design optimization. Ensure model versioning and automatic integrity checks.
• Provide training and support to the simulation software user community.
• Contribute to the accelerator design and optimization.

Qualifications

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

Experience:

We are looking for candidates with demonstrated expertise in:

• Development of computational physics software;
• Contributing to complex Python projects.

Experience in:

• Development and maintenance of automatic workflows for Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) in medium/large-scale software projects.
• Parallel computing and performance optimization for physics simulation software.
• Supporting and advising users of software applications.

The following experience would be considered an asset:

• Developing software for accelerator physics;
• GPU code development.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages;
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures;
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software;
• Re-use, refactoring, integration and porting of existing software;
• Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces.

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: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely;
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships;
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point;
• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English in a professional context and the willingness 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.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 27th of February 00.00 Geneva time.

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.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: BE-ABP-CAP-2025-8-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer