Information Technology

Distributed Computing DevOps Engineer - European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva)

Contract Type Contract Agent

About this position

The summary below is published by European Organization for Nuclear Research on the official vacancy notice. Our own analysis — salary realism, comparable openings, career trajectory, language profile — follows further down the page.

At [CERN](http://home.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.

**Introduction:**

Are you a motivated Computing Engineer looking to contribute to a global scientific infrastructure? Join CERN’s IT Computing for Experiments group (IT-CE), responsible for activities supporting the CERN physics community, from the coordination of core functions and services of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), to the development of advanced computing solutions, and the co-design of future computing models with the experiments. As part of the CE-LCG section, you will help shape the future of distributed computing within WLCG, a global collaboration of more than 170 computing centres in over 40 countries supporting cutting-edge particle physics research.

As part of the…

Excerpt shown; read the full notice on the official page. The structured breakdown below covers the key facts.

Key responsibilities

According to the vacancy notice, the role centres on the following duties:

  • Play a key role in the development, integration, and automation of operational tools and workflows in preparation for the HL-LHC
  • Contribute directly to selected computing projects and operations of one or more scientific collaborations as experiment liaison
  • Monitor and support the operation of a high-scale global distributed computing infrastructure across multiple international sites
  • Evolve and operate monitoring, accounting, and topology systems used to track service availability, data transfers, and resource utilisation
  • Support daily operational activities, including incident tracking, debugging of service issues, and coordination with external sites and users
  • Contribute to the integration and adoption of AI-driven tools and automation technologies within operational processes

Are you eligible?

Check these requirements from the notice before investing time in an application:

  • Education: Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics, Computing, Engineering or a related field
  • Experience: Experience in Linux-based distributed computing environments; Proficiency in Python programming and scripting languages; Experience with web frameworks, relational and non-relational databases; Experience with DevOps workflows including Code Management (Jira, GitLab), Continuous Integration, Delivery and Deployment, Containerisation & Orchestration (Kubernetes), tools widely used for monitoring (…
  • Languages: English (spoken…), French (commitm…)
  • Key skills: Knowledge of programming techniques and languages, Knowledge of system configuration tools, Installation, operation and maintenance of computing systems, Development of application software, Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software, Development of data visualisation applications, Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures, Knowledge of operating systems, Working in Teams, Solving Problems
  • Eligibility: Applications welcome from all Member States and Associate Member States

Contract and working arrangements

Contract duration: 5 years, with possibility to extend up to 8 years and eligibility for indefinite contract tenure.

Working arrangements: Hybrid.

Hiring unit: IT Computing for Experiments group (IT-CE), CE-LCG section.

Position details

Reference
IT-CE-LCG-2026-144-LD
Last Verified
9 July 2026

Position overview

This is the official EU Careers listing for Distributed Computing DevOps Engineer at CERN based in Geneva (Contract Agent). The vacancy reference is IT-CE-LCG-2026-144-LD. The role falls under the Information Technology domain.

At [CERN](http://home.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.

Introduction:

Are you a motivated Computing Engineer looking to contribute to a global scientific infrastructure? Join CERN’s IT Computing for Experiments group (IT-CE), responsible for activities supporting the CERN physics community, from the coordination of core functions and services of the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), to the development of advanced computing solutions, and the co-design of future computing models with the experiments. As part of the CE-LCG section, you will help shape the future of distributed computing within WLCG, a global collaboration of more than 170 computing centres in over 40 countries supporting cutting-edge particle physics research.

As part of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) programme, the next major upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider, now entering its construction phase, you will contribute to the operation and evolution of a large-scale distributed computing infrastructure, ensuring reliable data processing and transfer services for global scientific collaborations. You will work in a stimulating international and multidisciplinary environment, contributing directly to the computing projects and operations of one or more scientific collaborations, as part of a team of computing engineers and physicists driving the continuous improvement of services and operational procedures.

Functions:

* Play a key role in the development, integration, and automation of operational tools and workflows in preparation for the HL-LHC. * As part of your experiment liaison role, contribute directly to selected computing projects and operations of one or more scientific collaborations. * Monitor and support the operation of a high-scale global distributed computing infrastructure across multiple international sites. * Evolve and operate monitoring, accounting, and topology systems used to track service availability, data transfers, and resource utilisation. * Support daily operational activities, including incident tracking, debugging of service issues, and coordination with external sites and users. * Contribute to the integration and adoption of AI-driven tools and automation technologies within operational processes to improve operational efficiency, automate routine tasks, and enhance service performance and reliability.

* Master's Degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Physics, Computing, Engineering or a related field.

Experience:

* Experience in Linux-based distributed computing environments. * Proficiency in Python programming and scripting languages. * Experience with web frameworks, relational and non-relational databases. * Experience with DevOps workflows including Code Management (Jira, GitLab), Continuous Integration, Delivery and Deployment, Containerisation & Orchestration (Kubernetes), tools widely used for monitoring (Prometheus, Grafana). * Capacity to critically interpret and analyse data. * Experience working with large-scale systems such as cloud or grid infrastructures. * Experience with the computing of large scientific projects or working with scientific communities would be considered a strong asset. * Ability to work in an international and collaborative environment.

Technical competencies:

* Knowledge of programming techniques and languages. * Knowledge of system configuration tools. * Installation, operation and maintenance (preventive and corrective) of computing systems. * Development of application software. * Testing, diagnosing and optimisation of software. * Development of data visualisation applications. * Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures. * Knowledge of operating systems.

Behavioural competencies:

* Working in Teams: gaining trust and collaboration from others. * Solving Problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them. * Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point. * Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations. * Creating Vision and Strategic Partnerships: creating shared interests and promoting contact and collaboration with key external partners.

Language skills:

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

Eligibility and closing date:

[Diversity](https://diversity.web.cern.ch/) 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](https://home.cern/about/member-states).

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 06.08.2026 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions:

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Flexibility: Hybrid

This position involves:

* Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. * Stand-by duty, when required by the needs of the Organization.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IT-CE-LCG-2026-144-LD

Field of work: Software Engineering and IT

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist

Global Benefits

* A [competitive salary](https://careers.cern/pay-benefits-and-support/)(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.

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](https://careers.cern/)

Application timeline

This vacancy was first listed on 9 July 2026, today.

No closing date is published in the source feed for this position. EU vacancies typically remain open for four to eight weeks; check the official vacancy notice for the cut-off date and time.

Last verified against the EU Careers feed on 9 July 2026.

Where to learn more

For headcount, mission, and other open vacancies at CERN see the CERN institution page; for the cost of living, correction coefficient, and other postings in Geneva see our Geneva location page; for related vacancies in the Information Technology field browse our Information Technology domain page.

New to EU careers? Our beginner's guide walks through entry routes, EPSO competitions, and what to prepare. For application logistics see application tips and EPSO competitions.

Career trajectory

Career progression for this grade staff is governed by Articles 44 to 46 of the Staff Regulations (consolidated text on EUR-Lex) and Annex IB on the promotion procedure. Step increases are automatic every two years (Art. 44); grade promotion is competitive, based on the appraisal exercise (Art. 45) and the Career Development Review. For roles at CERN, progression to the next grade typically takes three to five years on merit, with two-yearly step increases in between. Article 46 governs the classification at recruitment, which sets the starting step within the grade (usually step 1 for external recruits without prior EU service, step 2 or 3 where relevant professional experience is recognised).
Mobility within the institutions is encouraged via the inter-institutional and intra-institutional vacancy publication system: temporary agents who pass the probation period and reservists from EPSO laureate lists can typically apply to internal vacancies after one year of service. Lateral moves between Directorates-General reset the seniority clock for promotion only if the new post carries a different grade.

Language profile

Beyond the formal language requirements stated in the vacancy notice, the day-to-day working languages at this employer are English and French in roughly equal measure, with German appearing in some technical files. Internal meetings and most policy drafting in Brussels run in English; French remains the preferred internal language in Luxembourg-based services and parts of DG TRADE.

Application cadence

CERN has not advertised another comparable role with the same grade and Information Technology signature in the past twenty-four months. This opening has rarely been seen on the EU Careers feed and may be the first such posting in our two-year window. Applicants who pass the eligibility checks should not assume the same profile will reopen on a predictable cadence.

Source: This job listing was sourced from the official EU Careers portal (EPSO). First published: .

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