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.

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization.

As an early-career technician working as a Database on Demand Operations Support, you will work in the CERN Information Technology (IT) Department, which provides computing services for all aspects of the laboratory’s activities. These require a wide range of technologies and skills, including the provision of computing facilities, local and wide area networking, platforms for computing environments, software development, databases, desktop environments, and a wide range of system integration and management tasks. 

You will join the Database Services (DB) group, which is responsible for all aspects of database service provision at CERN — including support for the control and operations of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) accelerator, and support of the Administrative Information Services. 

Your main functions will include:

• Administer MySQL, PostgreSQL and InfluxDB databases, through multiple product lifecycle environments, from development to mission-critical production systems;
• Configure and support database platforms: architecture, evolution, migration, upgrades and patches, including monitoring of system health and performance to ensure high levels of performance, availability, and security;
• Assist and advise end users, as well as support with database design;
• Share domain and technical expertise, providing technical mentorship and cross-training to peers.

In order to qualify for a place on the programme you will need to meet the following requirements:

• You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State (https://home.cern/about/member-states);
• You have a Technical Diploma or equivalent (careers.cern/ttediplomas), in Computer Science or similar discipline, and no more than 4 years' relevant experience after finishing your diploma;
• If you are currently studying, you are still eligible to apply, although you are expected to have obtained your qualification by the start of your appointment at CERN;
• If you hold a BSc or MSc, you are not eligible. However, you may be eligible for the Fellowship Programme.
• You should have at least a working knowledge of English OR French.

Specific technical requirements for the role

(they are not all essential skills, some are desirable to have, as indicated below)

• Experience working with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or InfluxDB databases. Familiarity with large-scale and high-availability database environments would be an advantage.
• Experience with SQL, Unix shell script and Python;
• Knowledge of Linux operating system;
• Knowledge of service administration and configuration tools like Puppet;
• Experience in the monitoring of system health and performance indicators, knowledge of the ELK stack would be an advantage;

Training Value

You will gain in depth understanding of the Database on Demand service running more than one thousand database servers for many critical services at CERN. The role will give practical experience in service administration, service management, monitoring, and allow participation in a large multinational project.

CERN would very much like to benefit from your expertise, commitment and passion.  In return, CERN will provide you with:

• An employment contract of one year, renewable for a second year; 
• On-the-job and formal training at CERN as well as in-house language courses for English and/or French;
• A monthly stipend of 4599 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: an installation grant, family, child and infant allowances as well as travel expenses to and from Geneva;
• 2,5 days of paid leave per month.

This is how you can apply:

You will need the following documents, clearly labelled (e.g. “CV”, “Motivation letter”, “Academic transcript”, etc.) and in PDF format to complete your application:

• A CV;
• Your latest relevant qualification (or a screenshot of the latest academic transcript obtained if the diploma is not yet obtained);
• At least one reference letter (from a professor or previous employer) giving an overview of your academic and/or professional achievements. This should be as broad as possible.
  • You can upload these letters at the time of application if you have them to hand. You will also be provided with a link as soon as you have submitted your application to forward to your referees to upload their letters confidentially. Please note this must be done before the closing date.

Applications should reach us no later than 31.05.2022.