Scientist position at the FaXToR beamline

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating ten beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center, this last in partnership with other institutions. Currently constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, it sums up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.

Located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), it is funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Recerca i Universitats). The synchrotron light produced by 3 GeV electrons is used by thousands of researchers to analyse and understand the properties and functionality of matter, spanning a wide variety of fields, such as catalytic research, health, energy production/storage, environmental research, communication technologies, or cultural heritage.

Our highly motivated staff works in a multidisciplinary work environment with an atmosphere formed by lived diversity, inclusion and respect for our colleagues. Located close to Barcelona in a natural park and well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connectivity to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance.

Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics.
Being a part of the ALBA team will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.

The FaXToR beamline, currently under construction and commissioning, will be devoted to fast hard X-ray computerized tomography (CT) and radiography in both
stationary and dynamical studies taking place in the μm- and subsecond- scale. Both absorption and phase-contrast imaging modalities will be routinely used at the
beamline. The beamline foreseen to starts user’s operation in 2024.

We are offering a beamline scientist position within the FaXToR beamline group to develop the beamline capabilities, support the user program and develop research projects along the lines of the Life Sciences section. Your key role will bridge the gap between technology development and innovative hardware/software solutions for phasecontrast/dark field X-ray imaging. By working in an interdisciplinary and diverse team of engineers, technicians, and scientists, you will complete your expertises and learn new approaches. This position will be of interest for enthusiastic scientists holding a PhD with strong focus on X-ray imaging instrumentation and characterization techniques.

For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMqiH4qBAo

* Develop innovative beamline instrumentation for hard X-ray imaging, together with the rest of the scientific beamline staff and the corresponding engineers and technicians.
* Provide support to the scientific users of the FaXToR beamline as a Local Contact.
* Develop the data pipeline for FaXToR, including innovative solutions for smart data acquisition, processing and visualization.
* Develop and demonstrate the value of a scientific program in materials characterization and hard X-ray imaging that takes advantage of and expands the
capabilities of the beamline.
* Develop your own scientific program on phase contrast X-ray imaging on soft/biological matter and materials science, aligned with the scientific program of the
beamline and, in the larger context, of the Life Sciences section.
* Participate in the beamline research program of the FaXToR group, national and European projects and collaborations. This may also include the initiation of new
projects if appropriate.

The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.

Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.

Expected skills and knowledge:
* PhD in Engineering Sciences or related disciplines with strong focus on instrumentation and software development.
* Experience of at least 2 years in large Xray- or neutron-based facilities.

The working language at ALBA is English. A good level of English both written and spoken is strictly required.

The selection will be carried out through the competition-opposition system.

As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). The assessment of the CV in the competition phase will be scored up to 40 points, and will consider the following aspects:

• Experience on X-ray imaging characterization techniques. (10 points)
• Experience on other experimental approaches for material and biological matter characterization. (5 points)
• Experience in data processing and pipelines. (10 points)
• Additional experience in synchrotron radiation or neutron facilities. (5 points)
• Significant scientific publication record. (10 points)

The best rated candidates, at least three if possible, will be invited to an interview where the technical competence, knowledge, skills and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. A minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points to be eligible.

The interview will assess the following aspects, among others:
• Relevant scientific publication record. (10 points)
• Experience in implementing integrative solutions for X-ray imaging and diffraction. (10 points)
• Experience in experimental investigation in life science and/or material science. (10 points)
• Experience in materials characterization using different techniques and smaple environments (10)
• Experience in data analysis. (5 points)
• Ability to interact with providers and facility users. (5 points)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team. (5 points)
• Good level of English. (5 points)

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection body may require accreditation by additional documentation, originals or certified copies confirming the experience invoked in the CV.

In case of a tied final score, the position will be awarded to the person who belongs to the most underrepresented gender in the corresponding Division and subsidiarily to the overall company.

If necessary, alternates of the members of the Board Selection will be appointed by the president of the selection process, and the change will be published in the
announcement.

The resolution of the selection procedure will be carried out within a maximum period of six months from the deadline for submitting applications for participation.

The selection process may be declared vacant if the selection body considers not to have found eligible candidates for the position although they might meet the requirements to participate in the selection process specified in the offer.

Permanent contract. This selection process is the result of the authorization of a specific replacement rate for CELLS in order to reduce the temporariness rate and to fill the positions on an permanent basis.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Klaus Attenkofer, Judith Juanhuix Gibert, Alessandra Patera and Virgínia Boix de la Cruz.