Digital Twin Computing Engineer (IT-FTI-CAP-2025-111-LD)

At CERN, the European Organisation 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

Are you interested in testing cutting-edge computing technologies for groundbreaking scientific research? Join the CERN IT Frontier Technologies and Initiatives (FTI) group and contribute to the EC-funded ODISSEE (Online Data Intensive Solutions for Science in the Exabytes Era) project. This initiative aims at developing innovating technologies and methodologies, leveraging on the European HPC supercomputers. As a Digital Twin Computing Engineer, you will play a crucial role in evaluating and benchmarking novel computing technologies.

In particular, you will:

• Test and benchmark hardware platform demonstrators using European digital technologies and IP, in synergy with European HPC supercomputer centres and the CERN IT Heterogeneous Architecture Testbed system engineer teams.
• Collaborate with technology partners in ODISSEE and CERN openlab on evaluating digital twin frameworks for modelling and optimising of supercomputer systems and simulation of data centre operations.
• Leverage on the tools developed in the EC-funded interTwin project (i.e. itwinai and interLink) on the optimisation of AI workflows on HPC supercomputing systems.

Functions

As a member of the IT-FTI group in the CERN IT Department, you will:

• Collaborate with ODISSEE and CERN openlab partners on proof-of-concept hardware demonstrators, evaluating their performances and their suitability to support sustainable online data intensive workloads.
• Evaluate emerging digital twin technologies for data centre operations [AD1] [MG2] [MG3], collaborating with European (e.g., SURF, CSCS) and other supercomputer centres worldwide (e.g., ONRL).
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations to communicate project progress and outcomes effectively. Represent CERN at international conferences, workshops, and meetings, sharing insights from your work and fostering collaborations with other research institutions and technology providers.
• Actively contribute to the execution of tasks related to the evaluation of advanced computing systems. Ensure alignment with project goals and milestones.

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

Experience

We are looking for someone with the following demonstrated experience/skills:

• Proven experience in using large supercomputing centres in Europe;
• Experience with heterogeneous architectures, including CPU, GPU, and other accelerator technologies;
• Experience with digital twin technologies;
• Proven experience on the optimisation of AI workflows on HPC and methodologies for scalable AI applications on HPC supercomputers;
• Previous participation in, and experience writing technical reports for, EU research projects;
• Experience with data centre operations and optimisation techniques would be an asset;
• Experience as Task Leader in EU research projects would be beneficial.

Technical competencies:

• Architecture and design of ICT systems;
• Development of data visualisation applications;
• Capturing and analysis of requirements for ICT systems;
• Identification and selection of relevant emerging ICT technologies;
• Development of application software: hands-on experience with AI frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: working well in groups and readily fitting into a team; participating fully and taking an active role in team activities; cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Solving problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components; recognising what is essential; discriminating between important and peripheral information and being able to see the whole picture; testing solutions for long-term suitability, cross-checking with all concerned before implementation.
• Managing self: taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen; working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Building relationships: showing appreciation for the ideas and contributions of others and encourages others to express their views, even if controversial; being able to put self in the shoes of others in order to understand their needs and interests.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.

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 27.06.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (2 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IT-FTI-CAP-2025-111-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Computing Engineer