Equipment Management Database Specialist (EP-CMS-SSI-2026-166-LD)

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.

Introduction

The role is responsible for ensuring that all equipment installed or removed during CMS Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) is accurately recorded in the CMS Equipment Management Database (EMdb). Acting as the interface between the physical inventory and the database, the post-holder ensures data consistency, maintains and enhances the database and its associated applications, and develops tools to improve data visualisation and accessibility. The role combines strong IT expertise with an understanding of the CMS experiment's equipment and asset management processes. It also provides support to colleagues across the CMS experiment in keeping the database up to date by preparing dedicated documentation and labelling for the services installation campaign, ensuring that equipment can be accurately identified, tracked and managed throughout its lifecycle.

Functions

• Ensure the consistency, accuracy and integrity of the CMS Equipment Management Database by synchronising it with the physical installation and decommissioning of equipment.
• Act as the interface between field inventory activities of CMS teams and the Equipment Management Database, ensuring that all equipment installations, removals and modifications are accurately reflected in the system.
• Maintain, support and enhance the Equipment Management Database and its applications, ensuring their reliability and long-term sustainability while developing new features, dashboards and visualisation tools for equipment traceability, data quality monitoring and reporting.
• Drive continuous improvements to the usability, functionality and efficiency of the Equipment Management Database by streamlining the registration and management of equipment, cables and other assets, and enhancing data management and asset traceability across the CMS experiment.
• Supporting work on the field, to ensure that the operational aspects of asset installation run smoothly for the CMS experiment and that there is coherence between installed equipment and services and the database inventory
• Collaborate with the CERN Enterprise Asset Management service and ensure the inter-operationality of processes within the CERN-wide infrastructure and applications.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or Applied Physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience with relational databases and SQL.
• Experience with web application development, using for example Oracle APEX, PHP, JavaScript, client-oriented APIs.
• Experience monitoring data quality and ensuring data consistency between physical assets and the digital inventory system.
• Experience with engineering equipment, scientific infrastructure, or large-scale technical installations.
• Ability to develop dashboards and application features.
• Proactive in improving processes and application functionality.
• Familiarity with the CMS Experimental and upgrade program is an advantage.
• Ability to bridge operational activities in the field with IT systems and interface CERN asset management procedures.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of database and/or data mining architectures and technologies.
• Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces.
• Decommissioning and disposal of detector components and systems.
• Development of application software.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
• Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Solving Problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge: proposing ways to improve or streamline existing procedures, processes and methodologies.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

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 31.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (4 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Fully Onsite

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.
• Exposure to electromagnetic fields under certain exposure conditions.
• Given the occupational health risks associated with this position, the selected candidate must obtain medical clearance before a contract offer is confirmed.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-CMS-SSI-2026-166-LD

Field of work: Data Science & Data Analytics

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

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!

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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.

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