Developer for the CMS Level-1 Trigger (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-157-GRAP)

The role is for a Developer for the CMS Level-1 Trigger, focusing on the upgrade of the first stage of the online selection system for the High-Luminosity LHC phase. The company, CERN, is the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known for pushing the frontiers of science and technology. The team is working on an ambitious upgrade of the Level-1 (L1) trigger system, which will use powerful FPGA processors and high-bandwidth networks to enable more sophisticated online algorithms. The main day-to-day responsibilities include developing algorithms for the CMS Level-1 (L1) trigger, integrating and maintaining contributions from other developers, and evaluating the physics performance of these algorithms. The role also involves participating in hardware testing and installation, collaborating with CMS L1 trigger groups, and presenting project progress at various meetings and conferences. Additionally, the position includes team supervision responsibilities. To qualify, candidates must have experience in FPGA firmware development using HDL and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools, as well as experience in data analysis, preferably in high-energy physics. Practical experience in developing and applying machine learning solutions is also required. Familiarity with trigger or data acquisition systems and their associated hardware is an advantage. Candidates must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State, with a professional background in Physics or a related field, and 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. They must also have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Nice-to-have skills include experience with Vivado Design Suite, Vivado/Vitis High-Level Synthesis (HLS), GitLab, and continuous integration workflows. Proficiency in software development using C++, Python, and Git is required, along with knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques, including ROOT and machine learning frameworks. Strong collaborative skills and effective communication are essential, as is proficiency in spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. The role is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and offers a hybrid work mode with a monthly net stipend of either 6,372 or 7,004 Swiss Francs, depending on the degree. The contract duration is 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months. What the role asks for: - Experience in FPGA firmware development using HDL and High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools. - Experience in data analysis, preferably in the field of high-energy physics. - Practical experience in developing and applying machine learning solutions to real-world problems. - Experience with Continuous Integration (CI) and quality assurance techniques and tools. - Proficiency in software development using C++, Python, and Git. - Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques, including ROOT and machine learning frameworks. - National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. - Professional background in Physics (or a related field) and 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. - Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. - Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.