Computer Scientist - Open Science/Analysis Facilities (IT-CA-IR-2026-139-LD)

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CERN seeks a Computer Scientist for Open Science and Analysis Facilities (IT-CA-IR-2026-139-LD) to design, build and operate scalable analysis platforms, VREs and federated data infrastructures for open science and the EOSC CERN Node. You will contribute to data management, cloud-native deployments and research environments. Essentials: Master or PhD or equivalent, solid Python, web tech, Kubernetes/Helm, and experience with distributed data and workflows; familiarity with Rucio, REANA, CVMFS, JupyterLab or Zenodo/InvenioRDM is a plus. English required, French learning encouraged. 5-year limited contract, onsite Geneva with hybrid option; deadline 21 July 2026. Tip: tailor your CV to show concrete VREs or data lake work, quantify impact and demonstrate collaboration across scientific communities and alignment with open science and FAIR data.

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Introduction:

Are you passionate about enabling open science through advanced computing services, data infrastructures and collaborative research environments? Do you enjoy combining hands-on technical work with engagement across diverse scientific communities?
Join CERN’s IT Department and contribute to the development of scientific computing services supporting analysis facilities, open data and interoperable research infrastructures.

The Collaborative Applications Group (IT-CA) provides platforms and services enabling collaboration, knowledge sharing and scientific information management across CERN and its communities. Within IT-CA, the Institutional Repositories section (IT-CA-IR) develops and operates services for research data, publications, open science and institutional knowledge. The section is also building and coordinating the EOSC CERN Node, CERN’s contribution to the European Open Science Cloud ecosystem.

Functions:

• Contribute to the technical design, development and operation of analysis facilities supporting scalable and reproducible scientific analysis workflows.
• Design and implement Virtual Research Environments (VREs) combining data management, workflow execution, software distribution and analysis services.
• Contribute to federated scientific data infrastructures, including data lake concepts, distributed data management and large-scale data access.
• Support and coordinate technical activities with scientific communities involved in open science data challenges, including particle physics and external research infrastructures, and contribute to the technical coordination role in the ESCAPE collaboration.
• Develop and maintain software components, service integrations and operational tooling for scientific computing services, including cloud-native deployments and automation.
• Promote common solutions and best practices across communities, contributing to competence centres, working groups and collaborative technical forums.
• Work with research infrastructures and scientific domains such as particle physics, astronomy, astroparticle physics, among others to translate requirements into robust computing solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Software Engineering, Physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Development and operation of scientific computing platforms or research services.
• Analysis facilities, distributed analysis environments or interactive scientific workflows.
• Large-scale data management, data lake architectures or federated infrastructures.
• Integration of research data services, repositories, workflow platforms or authentication and authorisation systems.
• Technical collaboration with scientific communities or international research infrastructures.
• Familiarity with open science, FAIR data principles, research repositories or EOSC-related services would be an advantage.
• Experience in a coordinating role in distributed scientific communities around data analysis and data management would be an asset.
• Experience with tools such as Rucio, REANA, CVMFS, Notebook technology (e.g. JupyterLab), or Zenodo/InvenioRDM would be an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: for scientific computing services, particularly in Python, with familiarity in web technologies such as JavaScript and React.
• Architecture and design of ICT systems: design, deployment and operation of distributed systems and cloud-native applications.
• Knowledge of operating systems: knowledge of containerisation and orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes and Helm.
• Data-intensive computing, data management and federated data access.
• Experience with analysis platforms, workflow systems or Virtual Research Environments.

Behavioural competencies:

• Demonstrating Accountability: taking responsibility for own actions and decisions.
• Working in Teams: cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Communicating Effectively: checking to ensure that the message has been well understood.
• Solving Problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• Achieving Results: driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Additional Information

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 21.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

• 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: IT-CA-IR-2026-139-LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer

Global Benefits

• A competitive salary (tax free), increasing in line with your years of relevant experience.
• 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, removal, travel expenses) depending on your individual circumstances.
• Possibility to extend your contract up to 8 years + eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Overview of CERN - Discover a world where the impossible is made possible!

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, we are pushing the frontiers of science and technology. Our groundbreaking work brings together not only physicists but also a diverse range of professionals from engineering, technical, scientific, and administrative fields. Together, we foster an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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.

If you are ready to be part of a dynamic, inclusive community pushing the boundaries of knowledge, CERN is the place where your curiosity and skills can thrive. Be part of our mission to uncover what lies at the heart of the universe! TAKE PART!

More information about us, here: careers.cern