Software Engineer (Python) - Switzerland

• Develop, maintain, and operate scientific information applications using Python and Django, including APIs, data models, integrations, and data processing workflows.
• Integrate machine learning and AI capabilities into production systems, using technologies such as Large Language Models, retrieval-augmented generation, semantic search, and the Model Context Protocol.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and apply them to concrete scientific information use cases.
• Ensure software quality through automated testing, code review, monitoring, and continuous integration., * You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State . Currently, we cannot consider applications from Pakistani, Lithuanian, Latvian, Cypriot and Croatian nationals, as the ceiling defined under Article II.5 of the Associate Membership Agreement has been reached.
• You have relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• If you have previously held a Staff contract at CERN, you will not be eligible for these positions.
• Please pay attention to the additional criteria and requirements for this specific position and mentioned above.

• Strong professional experience in Python and software engineering, including backend development with Django or a comparable Python framework, API design, relational databases, and maintainable production software.
• Experience with data-intensive applications or data processing workflows.
• Good understanding of modern Large Language Model technologies and their integration into software systems.
• Experience with Apache Airflow, React and TypeScript, OpenSearch or Elasticsearch would be an asset.
• Development of application software, design, development and maintenance of production software applications, APIs and data processing workflows using Python and Django.
• Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, strong knowledge of Python, software engineering principles, API development, relational databases and modern development practices.
• Architecture and design of ICT systems, designing maintainable and scalable software architectures, integrations and data intensive applications.
• Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software, applying automated testing, monitoring, debugging, performance analysis, and continuous integration to ensure software quality and reliability.

A minimum net entry-salary of 9236 Swiss Francs per month, 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.

Join CERN’s Scientific Information Service, as part of the OSI Department , and contribute to the development of platforms such as INSPIRE, SCOAP³, CERN Analysis Preservation and HEPData, used by researchers and scientific communities worldwide. You will design, develop, and operate backend applications, APIs, integrations, and data processing workflows, working primarily with Python and Django., 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!