Introduction

Are you an expert in testing, integrating, and operating hardware, software and computing resources for large high-energy physics experiments (HEP)? Would you like to coordinate the integration and operation of large computing infrastructure for the online processing of collision event data at the Large Hadron Collider? Then join the ALICE Experiment and contribute to the success of the data taking by taking the role of Technical Coordinator of the ALICE O2 EPN (Event Processing Nodes) project.

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment, https://alice.cern) is a dedicated heavy ion experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The ALICE Collaboration is studying the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities and temperatures. In Run 3+4 (2022-2029) ALICE will operate at a peak Pb-Pb collision rate of 50 kHz. The data of all collision events will be read out without any hardware trigger selection, calibrated, reconstructed and compressed synchronously with the data taking. The compressed data are then written to permanent storage for asynchronous (offline) analysis.  This will allow ALICE to assess rare probes with large backgrounds, for which data reduction with online triggers is not possible. This new approach heavily depends on the efficient and reliable functioning of the EPN farm, a GPU-based computing infrastructure of 300 servers hosting almost 2800 GPUs, running synchronous and asynchronous processing and being able to function as a GRID node for offline analysis when no beam operations are active. 

Functions

Within the ALICE Management and Engineering Support group (EP-AIO), you will play a leading role in coordinating the operation of the ALICE O2 EPN team and infrastructure to support the delivery of mission critical computing services, such as online data processing and recording during data acquisition and offline data reprocessing.

Your functions will include:

• Detailed coordination of the operation of the EPN system, including acting as interface with other ALICE projects participating in the online and offline data taking, the ALICE Technical Coordination and the CERN IT department.
• Optimize the current set up and coordinate the engineering effort in related areas (installation, cooling, power, network fabric) ensuring the reliable operation of the EPN IT infrastructure.
• Organise and supervise software and hardware releases, installation, testing, validation and integration including the follow up of issues.
• Lead the procurement of new hardware and software packages, representing the EPN project with external developers and vendors for the definition of technical specifications and needs.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of computing or physics or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience of coordination and interfacing of multi-project activities, with global understanding of the requirements for data taking and data processing in HEP experiments.
• Experience with leadership of large teams in the HEP environment.
• Project management experience in building/integrating/operating resources for large experiments, including documenting and presenting technical status to collaborators and executives.
• Experience with software integration and validation for data taking operations.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge and application of software life-cycle tools and procedures: : git, JIRA.
• Knowledge of system administration and programming techniques, languages and scripting (i.e. bash, Ansible).
• Knowledge of GPU and CPU architectural principles.
• Knowledge of networks and network technologies.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: contributing to promoting a positive atmosphere in the team through an optimistic and constructive attitude; addressing issues; Cooperating constructively with others in the pursuit of team goals; balancing personal goals with team goals.
• Solving problems: identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan.
• Communicating effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point.
• Achieving results: having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind; defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
• Demonstrating flexibility: demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change; adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; demonstrating openness to new ideas and situations.

Language skills:

• English: ability to understand and speak the language in professional contexts, draw-up technical specifications and/or scientific reports and make oral presentations.
• French: basic knowledge would be an asset or willingness to acquire it rapidly.

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 26.04.2023

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

These functions require:

• Participation in a regular stand-by duty, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• Shift work, including nights, Sundays and official holidays.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: EP-AIO-2023-39-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist