Applied Physicist for ATLAS Trigger Reconstruction (EP-ATL-OSW-2026-124-GRAP)

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CERN invites applications for an Applied Physicist in ATLAS Trigger Reconstruction to design and implement triggering algorithms for the HL-LHC, including ML/AI approaches, develop tools for trigger menu studies, and simulate selections while meeting resource and rate constraints within the ATLAS trigger software. The role includes supervising students and working with ATLAS trigger and TDAQ upgrade experts. A collider physics background and hands-on AI/ML experience with trigger systems are essential, along with software skills and excellent communication, plus fluent English and a commitment to learning French. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight ML/AI and trigger work, quantify improvements to trigger rates, and show leadership; eligibility Master 2–6 years or PhD up to 3; no prior CERN fellowship. Closing date 22.07.2026 23:59 CEST; start Oct 1, 2026.

Job Description

The goal of this project is to introduce innovative selections into the ATLAS trigger system to improve the identification of events in difficult regions of the parameter space, including rare Standard Model processes and exotic signatures. In collaboration with NextGen doctoral students, the selected candidate will contribute to the development of the trigger menu for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) era. The position is part of the Next Generation Trigger programme.

Your responsibilities

• Design new triggering algorithms and strategies, including alternative data flows and ML/AI-based approaches.
• Develop tools to support HL-LHC trigger menu studies.
• Simulate trigger selections and estimate trigger rates using data and HL-LHC Monte Carlo samples.
• Ensure that proposed solutions meet trigger menu constraints on processing resources and rate limits.
• Implement solutions within the central ATLAS trigger software.
• Collaborate closely with ATLAS trigger and TDAQ upgrade experts.
• This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile

• Strong background in collider physics.
• Experience with AI/ML and trigger systems.

Skills

• Strong software skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with, or willingness to supervise, students.
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You have a professional background in PhD in 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.

Additional Information

Job closing date: 22.07.2026 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-OSW-2026-124-GRAP

Field of work: Experimental 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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