MINERVA Instrument scientist

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.

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

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

The position offers a unique opportunity for professional development by working with a team of ALBA experts, external collaborators and users to fully develop the capabilities of the MINERVA instrument dedicated to the characterization of X-ray optics in the Optics and Metrology Group (Experiments Division) in close concert with the Industrial Liaison Office of ALBA which fosters innovation and competitiveness through the proprietary use of the advanced synchrotron techniques by the industry on a collaborative, multicultural, international and stimulating work environment.

We seek a highly motivated individual to deal with the intensive industrial and innovation program to boost the collaboration ALBA in the field of X-ray optics and metrology by supporting and developing industry research in that field and for taking advantage of the technology transfer opportunities.

The functions of the successful candidate will be as follows:
– To provide support to the users of the MINERVA instrument, in particular, to the industry clients.
– To maintain the MINERVA instrument in perfect conditions and ready to be used.
– To carry out the upgrade and commissioning activities need for keeping the MINERVA instrument at the highest performance level possible.
– To provide support for data analysis, interpretation and generating meaningful reports to the industry clients.
– To organise and to participate in national and international outreach events to promote the use of synchrotron techniques by the industry.
– To support the on-going research and developments activities within the Optics and Metrology Group
– To perform the activities required to keep the MINERVA instrument in operations after the ALBA II upgrade.
– To support the technology transfer activities.

The candidate selected for this position will work in the MINERVA beamline co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) in the context of the NewATHENA mission, a new innovative X-ray space observatory expected to be launched in the next decade. The candidate will support the private company cosine to produce and characterize the optics (mirrors modules) of the space telescope, or any other companies willing to use the industry services of the ALBA Synchrotron.

For additional information about the NewATHENA mission:
https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/athena
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLAey_f-ngc.

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.

The candidate should hold a University degree in a scientific field related to the project, including an Engineering degree.

Everyone who meets the requirements will be admitted for the selective process. This position is reserved for those candidates having the legal status of person with disabilities, with a degree of disability equal or greater than 33%. In case of one or more admitted applicants with this status of disability, these candidates will be evaluated at first. In the event that no candidate with the status of disability is finally selected for the position, the selection process shall continue and the rest of the applicants will be evaluated.

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, which will consider the following aspects:
• Hands on experience in working with laboratory instruments (10 points)
• Training or working experience in scientific instrumentation (10 points)
• Experience in working with UHV systems (5 points)
• Training or working experience in X-ray laboratory techniques (5 points)
• Training or working experience in programming languages, especially in Python (5 points)
• Experience in providing service to industry as a client (5 points)

The best rated candidates, at least two 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 include the following aspects, among others:
• Presentation of professional experience (15 points)
• Auto-assessment presentation of soft skills (15 points)
• Vision presentation of the job position (15 points)
• Presentation of motivation for applying (5 points)
• Communication skills (5 points)
• Showing a good customer service attitude (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.

The maximum duration of the position is linked to the first contract with the cosine company ending on 30th November, 2024. A series of subsequent contracts with cosine are foreseen but not secured.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Klaus Attenkofer, Alejandro Sánchez Grueso, Lucía Aballe Aramburu and Dominique Heinis.