L0 Muon Trigger Development (SW&FW) (EP-ATL-TRG-2026-122-GRAP)

Develop new algorithms for L0 muon trigger to enhance performance.

CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Overview

Develop new algorithms for L0 muon trigger to enhance performance.

You have:

  • Professional background in PhD in Physics or CS or equivalent (or a related field).
  • 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.
  • Never had a CERN fellow or graduate contract before.
  • Strong background in collider physics.
  • Strong software skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience with student supervision or willingness to supervise students.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Contract

This is a Entry Level contract. More about Entry Level contracts.

Job Description

The objective of the project is to introduce novel selections in the ATLAS trigger to enhance performance in challenging parts of the parameter space, including exotic signatures and rare Standard Model processes, and to improve the robustness of the muon trigger. Together with NexGen doctoral students, the selected candidate will work on the design of new algorithms for the L0 muon trigger. This position is part of the Next Generation Trigger programme.

Your responsibilities

  • Develop new algorithms to improve the robustness of the L0Muon trigger against changing detector conditions and enhance triggering for challenging signatures, such as exotic long-lived particles.
  • Identify detector scenarios and challenging trigger signatures, and develop new algorithms, including the use of AI/ML, to target them using tools such as simulations.
  • Collaborate closely with ATLAS trigger experts and the TDAQ upgrade community.
  • This role includes team supervision responsibilities.

Your profile

  • Experience in AI/ML.
  • Experience with trigger systems.
  • Experience with FPGAs and digital electronics.

Skills

  • Strong background in collider physics.
  • Strong software skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Experience with student supervision, or willingness to supervise students.
  • Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You have a professional background in PhD in Physics or CS or equivalent (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: 19.07.2026 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 during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-ATL-TRG-2026-122-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.

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Potential interview questions

Can you discuss a challenging AI/ML project you worked on and its impact? This question assesses your practical experience and problem-solving abilities in AI/ML. Focus on your specific role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes of the project.
Describe a complex trigger system you developed or contributed to. The interviewer wants to gauge your technical expertise and experience in trigger systems. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure effective communication within a technical team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for supervising students effectively? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you adapt algorithms for changing detector conditions? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a time when you had to work under pressure for a project with tight deadlines. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience working with FPGA and digital electronics. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to contribute to projects focused on advanced physics applications? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 days ago - Updated 1 hour ago - Source: careers.cern