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

The position of High‑Level Trigger Calibration Scientist is offered by CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, within its Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment. The role belongs to the Next‑Generation Trigger programme and aims to provide near‑real‑time, offline‑quality calibrations, so‑called "Optimal Calibrations", for the CMS High‑Level Trigger during the upcoming High‑Luminosity LHC era. Day‑to‑day work will involve close collaboration with the CMS Detector Performance Groups and Physics Object Groups to create and refine calibration algorithms. You will keep the NGT Demonstrator System operational, run it in replay mode on archived data throughout LS3, and help design a production‑grade data‑acquisition and calibration framework that can cope with various compute and storage scenarios. Integration and testing of this system inside the CMS online environment, together with system administrators and software engineers, will be required, as will extensive performance testing under realistic LHC conditions and the preparation of detailed impact reports. The role also includes supervising a small team. The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Applied Physics or a closely related discipline and has accumulated the appropriate post‑graduation experience. Prior employment as a CERN fellow or graduate contract is not permitted. Proven experience in building calibration workflows for high‑energy physics experiments is essential, as is solid programming ability in Python and C++. Familiarity with database management, Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) hardware and tools, and the development of software algorithms within an integrated framework is also required. Strong command of spoken and written English and a willingness to acquire French language skills complete the mandatory profile. The appointment is a 24‑month contract, potentially extendable to 36 months, based at CERN with a hybrid work model and a 40‑hour week. The role may demand work during nights, Sundays and official holidays when the organization's needs arise. The start date is planned for 1 January 2027. Employees benefit from a monthly net stipend of CHF 6 372 or CHF 7 004 depending on the degree, 30 days of paid leave plus a two‑week annual shutdown, comprehensive health coverage for family members, pension fund membership, relocation assistance, and on‑the‑job training including language courses. What the role asks for: - Master's or PhD in Applied Physics with relevant post‑grad experience - No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract - Experience designing calibration workflows for high‑energy physics experiments - Proficiency in Python and C++ programming - Experience with database management systems - Experience with Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) systems - Ability to develop software algorithms within an integrated framework - Fluent spoken and written English; willingness to learn French