High-Level Trigger Calibration Scientist (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-150-GRAP)

The position of High‑Level Trigger Calibration Scientist belongs to CERN's Next‑Generation Trigger programme, supporting the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. The laboratory runs the Large Hadron Collider and seeks to deliver "Optimal Calibrations", near‑real‑time, offline‑quality adjustments for the online trigger system during the upcoming High‑Luminosity LHC era. The role involves close collaboration with CMS Detector Performance Groups and Physics Object Groups to create and refine calibration algorithms. You will keep the NGT Demonstrator System operational, enabling replay of archived data throughout Long Shutdown 3, and help design a production‑grade data‑acquisition and calibration framework that can adapt to various compute and storage configurations. Integration work with the CMS online infrastructure, extensive testing under realistic LHC conditions, and the preparation of impact reports on trigger physics performance are also required, together with supervision of a small team. Candidates must have a background in Applied Physics (or a closely related discipline) and either a master's degree plus two to six years of professional experience after graduation, or a PhD with no more than three years of post‑doctoral work. Proven experience in designing, developing and validating calibration workflows for high‑energy‑physics experiments is essential. Strong command of Python and C++ programming, as well as familiarity with database management, is required. Experience with Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) hardware and tools, and a track record of building software algorithms inside an integrated framework, are also mandatory. Proficiency with modern version‑control platforms such as GitHub or GitLab and continuous‑integration practices is expected, together with fluent spoken and written English and a willingness to acquire French. Applicants must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. Additional assets include basic knowledge of DevOps and CI, an understanding of collider and detector operations, and a general grasp of high‑energy physics concepts. The appointment is a 24‑month contract, renewable up to 36 months, based at CERN with hybrid work flexibility. The schedule is 40 hours per week, with occasional night, weekend or holiday duties as required. Compensation consists of a net monthly stipend of CHF 6 372 or CHF 7 004 depending on the degree held, plus 30 days of paid leave, a two‑week annual shutdown, comprehensive health insurance, pension membership, family allowances, relocation support, and access to on‑the‑job training and language courses. What the role asks for: - Design and validation of calibration workflows for high‑energy physics - Python programming proficiency - C++ programming proficiency - Database management experience - Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) systems expertise - Software algorithm development within integrated framework - GitHub/GitLab usage and CI practice competence - English fluency, willingness to learn French - Master's in Applied Physics with 2‑6 years experience - PhD in Applied Physics with ≤3 years experience - No prior CERN fellow or graduate contract - (nice-to-have) Basic DevOps and CI knowledge - (nice-to-have) Familiarity with collider and detector operations - (nice-to-have) Basic high‑energy physics understanding