Software developer and integration expert (EP-ADT-DQ-2024-22-LD)

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.

Introduction

Are you an applied physicist with a passion for computing hardware and emerging technologies? The ATLAS Data-Acquisition team operates and maintains a state-of-the-art heterogeneous computing infrastructure with in-house developed high-performance software. In the context of the Next Generation Trigger program (https://cern.ch/nextgen-proposal), join the unique challenge of managing, evolving and upgrading one of its key distributed data-conveyance components. Make use of your skills to evaluate alternative bleeding-edge technological solutions and help meeting the demanding performance and efficiency requirements of one of the largest particle-physics experiments in the world. Take Part!

Functions

As Software developer and integration expert in the EP-ADT-DQ Section, you will:

• Be part of the Readout team which is responsible for the operation, maintenance and upgrade at the ATLAS Readout infrastructure. This is a critical component of the ATLAS data-acquisition interfacing the detector custom electronics to the data-acquisition network.
• Take part to the operation and maintenance of the present Readout hardware and software infrastructure: actively follow-up operational problems and requirements, including performance and reliability reach.
• Take a major role in the delivery of the next-generation readout infrastructure for the Phase-II upgrade, focusing in particular on the software development and performance reach.
• In due time, investigate and evaluate alternative architectural and technological solutions for the ATLAS Phase-II Readout.
• Participate in a team of DAQ experts that assures the smooth functioning of the DAQ system 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and supports the Phase-II Readout integration with the other ATLAS subsystems.

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

Experience:

• Proven experience with multi-threading, parallel and networking programming techniques in C++, on distributed systems.
• Good knowledge in the use of tools and methods that support all phases of the software life-cycle, in particular design, coding, testing, on the Linux Operating System.
• Experience with performance tuning and optimization, especially oriented towards data throughput and latency on networked systems.
• Practical knowledge of computing hardware and architectures and networking equipment.
• Experience in the operation of large and distributed DAQ systems and their data-conveyance sub-systems.
• Experience in the context of a large-scale computing organisation or a High-Energy Physics experiment would provide a distinct advantage.

Technical competencies:

• Simulation, design and development of trigger, data acquisition chains: readout, control and monitoring of detector systems.
• Development of application software: multi-threaded, parallel, network-based programming focused on high-throughput, low-latency workloads, control and operation of PCIe devices.
• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: (Including integration, build and test): code repositories (Git), CI/CD frameworks, Linux operating system.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: c, C++, scripting languages (Python/shell).
• Testing, diagnosing and optimization of software: proven record of end-to-end performance optimization.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving results: defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project; following through on new ideas and innovations; planning and implementing application.
• Demonstrating flexibility: actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies; demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations; readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Learning and sharing knowledge: keeping up-to-date with developments in own field of expertise and readily absorbing new information; sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer; thinking "out of the box" and proposing fresh ideas, insights and methodologies.
• Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components; adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than ’gold -plated’ technical solutions Identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them.
• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships; debating at the table and engaging in constructive confrontation of ideas; being ready to concede in the interest of the team; seeking agreement.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French: ability to understand and speak the other language in professional contexts. Ability to draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and to make oral presentations in at least one of the two languages.

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 24.03.2024

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-ADT-DQ-2024-22-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist