Software Engineer (Python)

This role develops and operates Python and Django services for CERN's scientific-information platforms, including INSPIRE, SCOAP³ and HEPData. It delivers APIs, integrations and data-processing workflows, and brings production machine-learning capabilities such as information extraction, semantic search, retrieval-augmented generation and LLM applications to researchers worldwide.

• Develop, maintain and operate scientific-information applications using Python and Django
• Build APIs, data models, integrations and data-processing workflows
• Integrate machine-learning and AI capabilities into production systems
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies for scientific-information use cases
• Ensure software quality through automated testing, code review, monitoring and continuous integration
• Collaborate on technical solutions and architecture with engineers, product owners and information specialists

• Master's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong professional experience in Python and software engineering, including backend development with Django or a comparable Python framework
• Experience with API design, relational databases and maintainable production software
• Nationality of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State
• Applicants who previously held a CERN Staff contract are not eligible
• Spoken and written English with a commitment to learn French

• Experience with data-intensive applications or data-processing workflows
• Understanding of modern LLM technologies and their integration into software systems
• Experience with Apache Airflow, React and TypeScript
• Experience with OpenSearch or Elasticsearch
• Experience with LLM applications, retrieval-augmented generation, embeddings, semantic search, Model Context Protocol, tool calling or AI agent integrations

• Python
• Django
• Backend Development
• API Design
• Data Processing
• Machine Learning
• Information Extraction
• Semantic Search
• Software Testing
• Continuous Integration

• Apache Airflow
• React
• TypeScript
• OpenSearch
• Elasticsearch
• Model Context Protocol

• Ideal start date: 1 January 2027
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Application requires a CV in English or French
• Contract may be extended up to 8 years with eligibility for indefinite contract tenure