Job Description
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
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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.
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Contribute to Global hardware integration activities at CERN.
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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.
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Explore, develop, and optimise concepts of anomaly detection, trigger-level analysis, and data scouting in ATLAS using the Global system.
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Explore the potential and applicability of novel industry technologies (e.g., AMD AI Engines) to enhance the reach of the ATLAS Global system.
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This role includes team supervision responsibilities.
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More information here.
Your profile:
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Strong track record in developing novel ML algorithms, especially in the context of particle physics experiments.
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Strong background in computational statistics.
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Good level of knowledge of digital electronics for data acquisition.
Skills:
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Modern C++ and Python programming techniques.
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Writing and testing algorithms for data processing and filtering.
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Knowledge of hardware description languages (HDL) or high-level synthesis (HLS) tools and concepts is highly desirable.
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Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Eligibility criteria:
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You have a professional background in PhD in Physics, Computer Science (or a related field) and have either:
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a Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience;
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or a PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience.
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You have never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
Additional Information
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:
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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
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A monthly stipend between 6372-7004 Swiss Francs per month (tax free) depending on your degree.
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30 days of paid leave per year plus 2 weeks annual closure.
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Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health insurance scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
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Family, child and infant monthly allowances depending on your individual circumstances.
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A relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
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Possibility to extend your contract up to 36 months.
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On-the-job and formal training including language classes.
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