The Global Hardware Trigger is part of the upgrade to the Trigger and Data Acquisition that ATLAS plans to deploy for the High-Luminosity LHC programme (HL-LHC). It is a custom hardware, real-time data processing and filtering system, currently under construction, that uses fine-granularity detector information and will employ advanced pattern recognition algorithms.
These algorithms will be implemented on state-of-the-art field programmable gate array (FPGA) systems, which employ novel system-on-chip architectures capable of high-speed machine learning (ML) inference. You will join the CERN Data Processing team within the ATLAS Trigger Section as part of the Next Generation Trigger programme.
Your responsibilities
- Develop and maintain pipelines to streamline the end-to-end process of developing, optimising, and implementing ML algorithms into the Global firmware framework, and support the ATLAS Global community in using these pipelines.
- Contribute to Global hardware integration activities at CERN.
- Explore, develop, and optimise novel ML algorithms for Global, and play a leading role in developing the trigger menu and strategy for the start of the HL-LHC programme.
- Explore, develop, and optimise concepts of anomaly detection, trigger-level analysis, and data scouting in ATLAS using the Global system.
- Explore the potential and applicability of novel industry technologies (e.g., AMD AI Engines) to enhance the reach of the ATLAS Global system.
- This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
- More information here.
Your profile:
- Strong track record in developing novel ML algorithms, especially in the context of particle physics experiments.
- Strong background in computational statistics.
- Good level of knowledge of digital electronics for data acquisition.
Skills:
- Modern C++ and Python programming techniques.
- Writing and testing algorithms for data processing and filtering.
- Knowledge of hardware description languages (HDL) or high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and concepts is highly desirable.
- Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility criteria:
- You have a professional background in PhD in Physics, Computer Science (or a related field) and have 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.
- You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Job closing date: 20.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Job flexibility: Fully Onsite
Target start date: 01-October-2026
This position involves:
- Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
Job reference: EP-ATL-TRG-2026-123-GRAP
Field of work: Applied Physics
Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist
Global Benefits
- A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
- 30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
- Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
- Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
- A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
- Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
- On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
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Every day, we face exciting new challenges and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research that shapes our understanding of the universe. We meet these challenges through the diverse perspectives within our teams, ensuring every contribution is valued and driving our shared sense of inclusion and purpose. Diversity is a core value of CERN since its foundation, and it remains central to our mission and continued success.
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More information about us, here: careers.cern
Skills Required
- Master's degree with 2-6 years post-graduation experience or PhD with no more than 3 years post-graduation experience
- Strong track record in developing novel ML algorithms, especially in particle physics contexts
- Strong background in computational statistics
- Good knowledge of digital electronics for data acquisition
- Modern C++ and Python programming skills
- Experience writing and testing data processing and filtering algorithms
- Knowledge of hardware description languages (HDL) or high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and concepts
- Spoken and written English and commitment to learn French
- No previous CERN fellow or graduate contract
- Ability to work fully onsite at CERN, including nights, Sundays and official holidays when required
What We Do
CERN is an international laboratory for particle physics research, providing unique particle accelerator facilities to uncover what the universe is made of and how it works.
