ATLAS Forward Detector DAQ Developments - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

• Contribute to testing and validation of components for the ATLAS Forward Detector upgrade
• Development and maintenance of software for data acquisition electronics
• Design and support of online monitoring tools
• Play an active role in laboratory-based activities at CERN, including testing of individual electronics components and validation of the full detector readout chain within the Forward Detectors laboratories

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

• Education: Master's degree with 2 to 6 years of post-graduation professional experience, or PhD with no more than 3 years of post-graduation professional experience, in Physics or related field
• Experience: Proven experience with data acquisition systems in high-energy physics experiments, including detector readout and integration. Practical experience in laboratory work, including testing and validation of electronics components and readout chains.
• Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
• Key skills: Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, Solid experience in UNIX/Linux environments, Experience with ROOT-based data handling, analysis, and visualisation, Problem-solving ability and proactive attitude, Rigorous and well-organised approach to work with attention to detail, Ability to work effectively both independently and within an international, collaborative team environment
• Eligibility: National of a CERN Member or Associate Member State. Professional background in Physics or related field. Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before. Must obtain medical clearance before contract offer is confirmed.

Contract and working arrangements

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

Working arrangements: Fully Onsite.

Hiring unit: Experimental Physics (EP) Department.

Position details

Reference

EP-ATL-AM-2026-119-GRAP

Last Verified

16 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for ATLAS Forward Detector DAQ Developments at CERN based in Geneva (Other). The vacancy reference is EP-ATL-AM-2026-119-GRAP. The role falls under the Research domain.

Are you a hands-on physicist with a strong interest in advanced detector technologies and software development? Join CERN's Experimental Physics (EP) Department and contribute to the next generation of instrumentation for the ATLAS experiment at the High-Luminosity LHC.

You will work in close collaboration with international teams contributing to the LUminosity Cherenkov Integrating Detector (LUCID-3) and the High-Luminosity Zero Degree Calorimeter (HL-ZDC).

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of experimental particle physics, combining hardware, firmware and software development in a highly collaborative and international environment.

Your responsibilities

* Contribute to the the testing and validation of components for the ATLAS Forward Detector upgrade. * Development and maintenance of software for data acquisition electronics. * Design and support of online monitoring tools. * Play an active role in laboratory-based activities at CERN, including the testing of individual electronics components and the validation of the full detector readout chain within the Forward Detectors laboratories.

Your profile

* Proven experience with data acquisition systems in high-energy physics experiments, including detector readout and integration. * Familiarity with firmware (e.g. FPGA-based systems) and hardware-software integration is highly desirable. * Experience with online monitoring systems and real-time data quality assessment is an asset. * Understanding of trigger systems (in particular Level-1) and detector control/operation concepts is advantageous. * Practical experience in laboratory work, including testing and validation of electronics components and readout chains.

Skills

* Strong programming skills in C++ and Python, with solid experience in UNIX/Linux environments. * Experience with ROOT-based data handling, analysis, and visualisation. * Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a proactive, "can-do" attitude, with willingness to contribute to detector operation and on-call activities. * Rigorous and well-organised approach to work, with attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality results. * Ability to work effectively both independently and within an international, collaborative team environment. * Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

* You are a national of a [CERN Member or Associate Member State](https://home.cern/about/member-states). * You have a professional background in Physics or related (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.

Job closing date: 16.07.2026 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 in Radiation Areas. * Interventions in underground installations. * Exposure to risk of falling from heights during scaffolding assembly and dismantling operations.

_Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed._

Job reference: EP-ATL-AM-2026-119-GRAP

Field of work: Applied 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.

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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 26 June 2026, 27 days ago.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 16 July 2026 (6 days ago).

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Research field browse our Research domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.