Doctoral students for Next Generation Trigger Project

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. Find out more on home.cern.

The NextGen Triggers project aims at maximizing the physics information from the HL-LHC data using novel simulation and data processing techniques and technologies.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

Take part in CERN’s Doctoral Student Programme! 

This is a chance to work on your thesis while spending up to 36 months at the forefront of science. Whether you’ve already chosen a subject or are still making your decision, if your specialism is Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering or Computing, this is an invitation to further your knowledge in a truly unique organisation. In fact, it’s an invitation to get involved in world-famous experiments of unprecedented scale and scope. An invitation to join an environment like nowhere else on Earth.

You will have the opportunity to work with cutting edge technologies (CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs) within the NextGen project and contribute to to the establishment of novel data selection strategies for the ATLAS and CMS experiments: emphasis is put on the use of AI techniques to maximise the efficiency  and physics coverage of data that will be stored long term for analysis.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• This call is open to nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member Stateand nationals of Non-Member States from Institutes in the LHC experiments collaborations.
• You have started or are about to start a doctoral programme in a university.
• Your work envisaged at CERN is all or part of the thesis work required to obtain your PhD. The award of the degree remains the responsibility of your university. Academic arrangements will be discussed between your university thesis supervisor and your CERN supervisor.
• You have a good knowledge of English OR French.

During your studies, CERN will provide you with:

• A contract of association for 6 months initially, renewable up to 3 years.
• The total period (up to 36 months) may be spread over a maximum duration of four consecutive years to allow you to spend time at your university (for periods of up to 12 months, granted as unpaid special leave).
• An allowance of 3868 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• A travel allowance.
• Depending on your personal circumstances, a supplement if you are married and/or have children.
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive Health Insurance scheme (the contribution will be automatically deducted from your allowance).
• 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

Please note that the 3-year maximum contract duration shouldn’t be interpreted as an imposition of the time limit in which students are expected to complete their PhD.

Please also note that CERN cannot contribute to any cost related to your University nor will CERN reimburse tuition fees.

This is how you can apply:

Required documentation:

You will need the following documents, in English or in French, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:

• A CV.
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript giving an overview of your marks (if you download it from your university portal please make sure there is no protection so that we can open it).
• A reference letter from a University Professor is mandatory. Should you have one from a previous internship you may add this as a second reference.

You may upload the reference letter yourself, whilst submitting your application, or through your referee via the link you will receive shortly after submitting your application.

Your application along with all supporting documents should reach us no later than July 29th 2024 (at 23:59 CET). Please note that your application may also be shared during the process with a panel of CERN experts for evaluation purposes. During this period, you may be contacted for phone/video interview or additional information. The outcome of the recruitment process will be given no later than end of October 2024.