Postdoctoral Researcher Position At The Faxtor Beamline

Institution
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 commissioning, is 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 will enter into user operation in 2025.

We are offering a 6-year postdoctoral research 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 phase-contrast single-shot 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 degree in physics, chemical/biomedical engineering, material science or related disciplines.

Tasks

Develop innovative hardware and software tools for synchrotron-based single-shot phase contrast 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 and demonstrate the value of a scientific program in hard X-ray imaging (including if needed beamline instrumentation) that takes advantage of and expands the capabilities of the beamline.

Develop your own scientific program based on X-ray imaging for soft/biological matter, aligned with the Life Science 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.

Requirements

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.

Required skills and knowledge:

PhD in physics, chemical/biomedical engineering, material science, computer science or related disciplines.

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.

Selection Process Development

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).Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.

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/techniques. (10 points)

Experience in the implementation of scientific instruments. (5 points)

Experience in Python, Java or C++ programming languages. (5 points)

Experience in data processing. (10 points)

Experience in a synchrotron radiation facility. (5 points)

Significant scientific publication record. (5 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.

Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

The interview will assess the following aspects, among others:

Relevant scientific publication record (10 points).

Experience in implementing innovative solutions for X-ray imaging, including single shot phase contrast X-ray imaging (10 points).

Experience in experimental investigation in life science and/or material science (10 points).

Experience in data analysis and programming skills (10 points).

Good interpersonal and communication skills (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 both written and spoken. Note that the working language at ALBA is 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 suitable candidates for the position although they might meet the minimum requirements.

Other information
Temporary contract (3+3 years).

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Judith Juanhuix Gibert, Alessandra Patera, Joaquín Otón Pérez and Roberto Homs Purón.

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