Equipment Management Database Specialist (EP-CMS-SSI-2026-166-LD)

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.

Introduction

The role is responsible for ensuring that all equipment installed or removed during CMS Long Shutdown 3 (LS3) is accurately recorded in the CMS Equipment Management Database (EMdb). Acting as the interface between the physical inventory and the database, the post-holder ensures data consistency, maintains and enhances the database and its associated applications, and develops tools to improve data visualisation and accessibility. The role combines strong IT expertise with an understanding of the CMS experiment's equipment and asset management processes. It also provides support to colleagues across the CMS experiment in keeping the database up to date by preparing dedicated documentation and labelling for the services installation campaign, ensuring that equipment can be accurately identified, tracked and managed throughout its lifecycle.

Functions

- Ensure the consistency, accuracy and integrity of the CMS Equipment Management Database by synchronising it with the physical installation and decommissioning of equipment.
- Act as the interface between field inventory activities of CMS teams and the Equipment Management Database, ensuring that all equipment installations, removals and modifications are accurately reflected in the system.
- Maintain, support and enhance the Equipment Management Database and its applications, ensuring their reliability and long-term sustainability while developing new features, dashboards and visualisation tools for equipment traceability, data quality monitoring and reporting.
- Drive continuous improvements to the usability, functionality and efficiency of the Equipment Management Database by streamlining the registration and management of equipment, cables and other assets, and enhancing data management and asset traceability across the CMS experiment.
- Supporting work on the field, to ensure that the operational aspects of asset installation run smoothly for the CMS experiment and that there is coherence between installed equipment and services and the database inventory
- Collaborate with the CERN Enterprise Asset Management service and ensure the inter-operationality of processes within the CERN-wide infrastructure and applications.

Master's degree or PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Computer Science or Applied Physics or a related field.

Behavioural competencies

- Achieving Results: defining clear objectives, milestones and deliverables before initiating work/ project.
- Working in Teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
- Communicating Effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
- Solving Problems: addressing complex problems by breaking them down into manageable components.
- Learning and Sharing Knowledge: proposing ways to improve or streamline existing procedures, processes and methodologies.

Language skills

Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Requirements

Experience with relational databases and SQL.; Experience with web application development, using for example Oracle APEX, PHP, JavaScript, client-oriented APIs.; Experience monitoring data quality and ensuring data consistency between physical assets and the digital inventory system.; Experience with engineering equipment, scientific infrastructure, or large-scale technical installations.; Ability to develop dashboards and application features.; Proactive in improving processes and application functionality.; Familiarity with the CMS Experimental and upgrade program is an advantage.; Ability to bridge operational activities in the field with IT systems and interface CERN asset management procedures.; Knowledge of database and/or data mining architectures and technologies.; Conceptualising, designing and developing user experiences and interfaces.; Decommissioning and disposal of detector components and systems.; Development of application software.

Benefits

A competitive salary (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.