CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

Company DescriptionJob Description

Your responsibilities

At CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), we push the boundaries of science and technology to explore the universe's deepest mysteries. The LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment depends on cutting-edge Data Acquisition and Synchronization systems to manage massive experimental datasets. It will undergo a second major upgrade during Long Shutdown 4 (2034-2035) to increase its physics yield by a factor of 100 over the original LHCb. The LHCb Online Team is currently assessing solutions for the central Timing and Fast Control (TFC) system, responsible for readout control, timing distribution, and global synchronization.

We are looking for an Applied Physicist / Systems Engineer, with broad competences in Data Acquisition, Readout technologies, timing reception and distribution, networking, FPGAs, Hardware Design Languages, operations and commissioning of large physics experiments to take the lead in shaping the future TFC system for the LHCb Upgrade II. The short-term goal (2027-2028) is to finalize the technical specifications of the TFC system and validate a proto-architecture using real hardware. The aim is to reach <10ps timing distribution precision using dedicated custom hardware while taking part of a broader R&D program at CERN and LHCb.

Key responsibilities:

• Model, design and define the specifications of the Upgraded LHCb TFC system.
• Drive an R&D study to evaluate technological backbones using real hardware.
• Write firmware for the central FPGA logic as a result of devising operational scenarios and requirements from the upgraded LHCb detector.
• Implement first hardware testbenches, including testing, commissioning and early optimisations.
• Support sub-detectors lab test-benches, including operation and maintenance of dedicated TFC devices.

Your profile

Skills:

• Proficiency in Hardware Description Languages (VHDL and/or Verilog).
• Proven design experience across diverse FPGA platforms and toolchains, and high-level synthesis technologies (Intel OneAPI and/or Vivado HLS).
• Knowledge of analysis and optimisation of detector component, with particular attention to timing requirements.
• Knowledge of detector operation, commissioning and testing, with particular attention to timing reception and distribution techniques.
• Knowledge of embedded DAQ Protocols, with particular attention to fixed latency distribution systems.
• Basic knowledge of PCB design, including design qualification/testing, would be an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of formal Verification of digital logic (Opensource sw, e.g. SymbiYosys) would be an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of HPC networking for data acquisition would be an advantage.
• Proven capability to drive specifications and define guidelines, including writing documentation and oral communication.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Proven ability to identify and select emerging and fitting technologies.
• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the basics of the other language.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Applied Physics (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.

QualificationsAdditional Information

Job closing date: 27.06.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Contract duration: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months maximum.

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-September-2025

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.

Job reference: EP-LBC-2025-88-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN's comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.