Company Description
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.
Job Description
You will work at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence to accelerator control systems and operational workflows at CERN. Working collaboratively across the BE-CSS group and the broader Accelerator and Technology Sector (ATS), you will design, develop, and deploy practical AI solutions - from LLM-based knowledge assistants to agentic AI workflows.
A defining aspect of your role will be contributing to the newly established ATS AI Core Team, where you will provide expertise in LLM and agentic AI systems, secure knowledge connectors, and safe agent deployment patterns.
Your work will span hands-on software development, cross-group collaboration, and technical leadership - an excellent opportunity to work alongside engineers and scientists from across CERN and to shape the organisation's AI capabilities in a meaningful and lasting way.
Functions:
- Contribute to the AI-driven evolution of the BE-CSS group's software product portfolio, identifying and implementing opportunities to embed AI capabilities across group applications.
- Design and develop LLM-based solutions, including a first-line support chatbot backed by retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines, vector databases, and secure knowledge connectors, in close collaboration with the CERN IT department providing the underlying MLOPs substrate.
- Join the ATS AI Core Team and take a major role in the rollout of LLM/agentic AI and knowledge systems, contributing to reusable patterns, evaluation frameworks, and safe agent deployment practices across the sector.
- Collaborate with engineers, domain experts, and scientists from across CERN -including CERN IT, BE-CSS colleagues, and other ATS groups - to align AI solutions with operational needs and organisational standards.
- Contribute to other AI-related initiatives in the BE-CSS group and across the ATS sector, sharing expertise and adapting to emerging priorities in the rapidly evolving field of applied AI.
- Help define and deliver the central AI infrastructure needed across ATS, contributing to shared tooling, reference architectures, MLOps practices, and evaluation frameworks that enable groups to adopt AI solutions safely and efficiently.
- Qualifications
- Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or a related field.
- Experience:
- Solid experience in Python software development, including the design and delivery of production-ready applications in a collaborative engineering environment.
- Practical knowledge of LLM frameworks (such as LangChain or LlamaIndex) and hands-on experience building retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and working with vector databases, chunking and embedding techniques.
- Familiarity with agentic AI orchestration approaches and the Model Context Protocol (MCP), or a strong motivation and demonstrated ability to develop this expertise rapidly.
- Understanding of evaluation and safety frameworks for LLM-based systems, including techniques for assessing reliability, output quality, and responsible deployment.
- Experience with MLOps practices and CI/CD workflows; ability to write clear technical documentation and communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and communicate clearly with colleagues from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds, including non-specialist audiences.
- Curiosity about the application of AI in complex scientific and operational environments, with an openness to learning the accelerator domain context through direct engagement with its challenges.
Technical competencies:
- Knowledge of programming techniques and languages: notably Python.
- Architecture and design of ICT systems.
- Identification and selection of relevant emerging ICT technologies.
- Development, validation and deployment of machine learning and AI solutions.
- Design and implementation of data pipelines and knowledge retrieval systems.
Behavioural competencies:
- Achieving Results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
- Demonstrating Accountability: working conscientiously and reliably; delivering on promises.
- Solving Problems: adopting a pragmatic approach; understanding the value of adopting generic rather than 'gold -plated' technical solutions.
- Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
- Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.
Language skills:
Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French.
Additional Information
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 05.07.2026 at 23:59 CEST.
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.
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