Research Software Engineer - Finance (EP-SFT-2025-194-GRAP)

Develop production-ready C++ algorithms and tools for financial market analysis.

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CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research

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Overview

Develop production-ready C++ algorithms and tools for financial market analysis.

You have:

  • Experience in building data analysis libraries with C++ and Python.
  • Data analysis experience and domain knowledge in particle physics or finance (or both).
  • Experience working on large codebase open source projects.
  • You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
  • You have a professional background in Physics, Finance, Computer Science (or a related field).
  • You 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.

Contract

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

Job Description

Are you a fluent in C++? Are you excited about bringing together particle physics and finance? Project HighLO applies data analysis techniques from physics to financial markets, helping regulators and exchanges tackle challenges like fraud detection.

We are looking for a Research Software Engineer to turn our research into production-ready C++ algorithms and tools. ROOT is a C++/Python framework developed at CERN and used worldwide in particle physics, and also in Project HighLO. You will work as a member of two diverse and creative teams: CERN's ROOT team and the HighLO research collaboration.

Your responsibilities:

  • Build solutions to analyse streamed data with C++ in real time.
  • Work on C++ data structures in ROOT that are used in financial data analysis.
  • Work with us on a ROOT-based framework for analysing limit order book data.
  • Use your experience in data analysis, helping us to apply statistical data analysis techniques used in particle physics to financial data.
  • Collaborate with financial institutions to adapt our software to their needs and support the deployment process.

Your profile:

  • Experience in building data analysis libraries with C++ and Python.
  • Data analysis experience and domain knowledge in particle physics or finance (or both).
  • Experience working on large codebase open source projects.

Skills:

Proficiency in:

  • Python, C++.
  • Git, CMake.

Optional, but considered a plus:

  • Knowledge of ROOT.
  • Web technologies like React or Next.js to be used for interactive analysis dashboards.
  • 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, Finance, Computer Science (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: 04.03.2026 at 23:59 CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job flexibility: Hybrid

Target start date: 01-April-2026

This position involves:

  • Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job reference: EP-SFT-2025-194-GRAP

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark job: 200020 - Computing Engineer

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

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in building data analysis libraries? This question assesses your hands-on experience in relevant technologies. Discuss specific projects where you developed libraries, the challenges faced and how you overcame them.
How would you apply techniques from particle physics in a financial context? The interviewer wants to understand your ability to translate concepts across fields. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a time you contributed to an open-source project. What was your role? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with C++ and Python in data analysis? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach debugging and optimizing code? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a challenging problem you solved in financial data analysis. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What programming frameworks are you familiar with, and how have you used them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your willingness and strategy for learning new technologies such as ROOT? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.cern