Data Storage R&D Engineer (IT-SD-TAB-2026-130-GRAP)

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Join CERN’s Storage and Data Management group as a Data Storage R&D Engineer to help manage and archive 1.5 Exabytes of LHC data, combining R&D, software development in C++/Linux, and operations for the Tape Archive team. You’ll analyze metadata and logs to optimise data placement, research scheduling models under cost constraints, and contribute code and troubleshooting support. The ideal candidate has strong maths and optimisation skills, experience in C++ and Python, solid Linux know how, and familiarity with databases, version control, and containers; storage or data management exposure is a bonus, tape systems not required. English required with willingness to learn French; eligible if a CERN Member State national with a Master’s (2 to 6 years) or PhD (≤3 years) and no prior CERN fellowship. Deadline 30.08.2026; start 01 November 2026; 40h hybrid, 24 months with possible extension. Tips: tailor your CV to show concrete optimization projects and measurable outcomes, highlight collaboration and readiness for standby duties, and align your narrative to CERN’s mission.

Job Description

Join CERN's Storage and Data Management group, to develop data storage systems for physics experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The Storage and Data Management Group is responsible for enabling data access for the laboratory, in particular the long-term archival, preservation and distribution of LHC data to a worldwide scientific community. CERN, take part!

As a Data Storage R&D Engineer you will join the CERN Tape Archive (CTA) team, responsible for the archival and management of 1.5 Exabytes of physics data from the entirety of CERN's experimental programme. Your job will include R&D, software development and operations tasks.

Your responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyse metadata and logs to optimise physical data placement on storage media.
• Research appropriate mathematical models and propose optimisations to CTA's scheduling algorithms within specified cost constraints.
• Develop and maintain software in C++/Linux.
• Participate in operations, troubleshooting and support as part of a team.

More information here.

Your profile

• You have good technical and analytical skills, with a background in algorithms and optimisation.
• You have knowledge of statistics, data modelling and data visualisation, as well as experience in software development with C++.
• Experience with storage technologies or data management is a bonus.
• Prior experience with tape storage systems and robotic libraries is not expected.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including mathematical modelling and optimisation are require.
• Experience in software development with C++ and Python is required.
• Experience with Linux operating system and command-line tools (e.g. bash shell, grep with regular expressions) is required.
• Knowledge of databases (SQL) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
• Experience with version control systems (e.g. git) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
• Experience with containers (e.g. Kubernetes) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
• Knowledge of monitoring tools (e.g. Grafana, Prometheus) is an advantage (training will be provided if necessary).
• Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Mathematics or Computer Science (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: 30.08.2026 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: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-November-2026

This position involves:

• Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: IT-SD-TAB-2026-130-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

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.

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