Job Description

Your responsibilities

We are looking for a physicist or engineer to join the ATLAS Trigger and Data Acquisition (TDAQ) team to help implement anomaly detection algorithms in the Level-1 Trigger System (L1) of the ATLAS experiment. The role involves studying, developing and finally deploying these algorithms on FPGAs within the L1 Topological Trigger (L1Topo), a key part of the system that selects events based on data from the calorimeter and muon detectors.

You will be responsible for selecting the best anomaly detection architecture, working with the L1Topo team to develop and integrate it into the system, and ensuring that it meets the high-speed requirements (data processed every 25 ns with a latency of ~2 µs). The role also includes developing bit-wise simulations for both online monitoring and offline validation.

Once deployed, you will contribute to the operation of the L1Topo system during the ATLAS Run3 period. In the final year of Run3, the candidate will also assess the feasibility of implementing anomaly detection in the new L0Global system for the Phase-II upgrade.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deploy anomaly detection algorithms on FPGAs in the L1Topo system
• Develop and validate simulations for online and offline checks
• Contribute to the L1Topo system’s operation during Run3
• Assess future upgrades for anomaly detection in the L0Global system

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technology in a high-performance environment.

Your profile

Skills

• Experience with modern C++ programming techniques
• Knowledge of the methodology of data processing techniques in FPGAs, preferably with experience in programming with HDL, HLS languages and in the use of FPGA development tools
• Competence with developing tools to evaluate performances of trigger algorithms, preferably with experience in the design of bit-wise simulation code
• Knowledge of the concepts of developing ML-based algorithms, preferably anomaly detection techniques

Eligibility criteria:

• You are a national of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
• You have a professional background in Particle physics / 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: 09.01.2025 at 23:59 hrs CET.

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

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Target start date: 01-February-2025

Job reference: EP-ADT-TR-2024-217-GRAP

Field of work: Experimental Physics

What we offer

• A monthly stipend ranging between 6212 and 6828 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
• Coverage by CERN’s comprehensive health scheme (for yourself, your spouse and children), and membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
• Depending on your individual circumstances: installation grant; family, child and infant allowances; payment of travel expenses at the beginning and end of contract.
• 30 days of paid leave per year.
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French.

About us

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. Find out more on http://home.cern.

We are on a Quest. A Journey into discovery like no other. Bring your expertise to our unique work and develop your knowledge and skills at pace. Join world-class subject matter experts on unique projects, in a Quest for greater knowledge and deeper understanding.

Begin your CERN Quest. Take Part!

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.