Data Reduction Physicist (EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-146-GRAP)

The NGT Real-time Reconstruction Revolution will transform the CMS High-Level Trigger into an offline-quality reconstruction facility processing up to 750 kHz of events. To make this sustainable, you will lead the design of two complementary data tiers: a low-level reconstructed format that enables trigger rates several times higher than conventional raw-data output while preserving the the option for future reprocessing, and a compact analysis format to save the full 750 kHz stream of online reconstructed events.

Your responsibilities:

• Design next-generation data structures that push the limits of data reduction to save 750 kHz while preserving physics performance and analysis flexibility.
• Ensure all formats are accelerator-native (e.g., structure-of-arrays, SoA) and optimised for high-throughput GPU processing.
• Build an end-to-end framework to rigorously quantify the impact of lossy compression, with clear metrics, reference analyses, and automated regression tests.
• Benchmark compression/decompression under realistic workloads: CPU/GPU cost, I/O throughput, memory footprint, and latency.
• Advance lossless compression, leveraging R³-reconstructed objects and pioneering AI/ML techniques.

Your profile:

• Demonstrated contributions to trigger and/or reconstruction in HEP (or comparable high-throughput scientific software).
• Practical understanding of of end-to-end HEP experiment operations, from detector readout to reconstruction, calibrations, datasets, and final physics results.
• Experience working in a large international collaboration (code review, CI/CD, documentation) is a plus.
• Knowledge with LHC experiments and their data formats is a plus.
• Expertise in data compression techniques is a plus. (lossless and/or lossy).
• Experience applying AI/ML methods (e.g., autoencoders) to data reduction is a plus.
• Proficiency in GPU programming and heterogeneous computing is a plus.

Skills:

• High proficiency in C++, Python, and ROOT.
• Solid understanding of event reconstruction, including calibrations and commonly used data formats in HEP.
• 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 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.

Job closing date: 25.09.2026 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-January-2027

Job reference: EP-CMS-TDQ-2026-146-GRAP

Field of work: Applied Physics

Benchmark job: 200140 - Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

• A monthly net stipend of either 6372 or 7004 Swiss Francs per month 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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