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

Introduction

Are you a Physicist with experience in neutrino physics experiments? Do you have competences and expertise for developing effective, quasi-real-time, data selection strategies for large detectors? Do you have a strong background in distributed computing and C++ programming? Well, then this post to work on the DUNE trigger and data acquisition system constitutes maybe your next professional opportunity!

The DUNE experiment is a leading-edge, international experiment for neutrino science. DUNE will consist of two neutrino detectors placed in the world’s most intense neutrino beam. One detector will record particle interactions near the source of the beam, at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois. A second, much larger, detector will be installed more than a kilometer underground at the Sanford Underground Research Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota — 1,300 kilometers downstream of the source. These detectors will enable scientists to search for new subatomic phenomena and potentially transform our understanding of neutrinos and their role in the universe.

The detector technologies, installation techniques and Trigger and Data AcQuisition (TDAQ) for the DUNE far detectors are being validated at the Neutrono Platform at CERN, with operations and data taking planned in 2024-2025.

The selected candidate 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. Within the EP Department the candidate will integrate the Neutrino group (EP/NU) and join the team of scientists, engineers and technicians who are commissioning and running the prototype DUNE detectors at CERN and working on the developments for the final DUNE detector components, including the TDAQ system.

Functions

As an applied physicist in the EP/NU group you will:

• Design and develop software for the trigger infrastructure within the TDAQ system;
• Develop data selection algorithms to reduce (by 4 orders of magnitude) the raw detector data that will be saved for long term storage, while retaining the full Physics potential of the experiment;
• Work in close contact with the TDAQ experts of the DUNE readout system to embed the first stages of the data selection process within the readout hardware platforms;
• Supervise students and graduates working on the DUNE trigger sub-system;
• Contribute to the operation and performance optimization of the DUNE prototype detectors at the CERN Neutrino Platform;
• Contribute to the installation and commissioning of the TDAQ system for the DUNE far detectors.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics or a related field.

Availability to travel to the United States for installation and commissioning work, as well as collaboration meetings, is required.

Experience:

• Proven experience in designing, developing and testing multithreaded and distributed C++ based software systems;
• Extensive experience with neutrino physics experiments, preferably in the area of online data filtering;
• Experience using C++/python to implement trigger simulation and performance validation tools;
• Experience in installing, commissioning and/or operating a particle physics experiment would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Simulation, design and development of trigger, data acquisition chains;
• Assembly and integration of experiments;
• Identification and selection of relevant emerging ICT technologies;
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures;
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Achieving results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.
• Solving problems: 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: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals. Contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations.

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 22.10.2024 Midnight CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-NU-2024-138-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist