PostDoc in MSPD group

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. One of the goals of our gender equality plan is to reach parity within the Consortium’s different divisions and offices, and several actions have been taken to encourage applications from women mostly in scientific, engineer and technical job positions. Furthermore, 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.

We are offering a post-doctoral position in the MSPD beamline group to safely collaborate, run, maintain, and develop the beamline as well as conduct research activities in collaboration with users and/or ALBA colleagues. As a member of the MSPD group, you will be part of the interdisciplinary team and exploit the potentiality of the powder diffraction techniques available on the BL04-MSPD beamline. This position will be of interest for enthusiastic scientists holding a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or scientific technology.

1. Provide user support to public and proprietary users including performing Local Contact duties.
2. Collaborate with your colleagues to maintain the beamline and contribute to the upgrade of the beamline within the ALBA II context.
3. Engage with other groups of the Experiments Division and ALBA to find synergies between the scientific programs and develop new opportunities for the facility.
4. Develop your own scientific program in one of MSPD focus areas: energy related materials, catalysis, functional materials, using X-ray diffraction techniques, either standard Powder Diffraction or micro diffraction, in Situ or Operando.
5. Engage in projects and collaborations of the transversal research program of the section (for example on energy storage and/or catalysis) at internal, national and European level. This may also include the involvement in new projects if appropriate.

The candidate should:

1. Hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or similar disciplines.
2. Have at least 1 year of work experience (including PhD work) using Powder Diffraction techniques.
3. Have a good level of English.

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). 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, which will consider the following aspects:

1. Scientific and technical experience in Powder Diffraction techniques. (15 points)
2. Work experience and publication record in a scientific field like catalysis, energy storage, high pressure or functional materials with strong emphasis on using Powder Diffraction. (15 points)
3. Experience and knowledge in complementary synchrotron techniques and/or laboratory practices supporting research program (10 points)

The fulfillment of above requirements should be explicitly mentioned in the application. 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.

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 include at least:

1. Capability of running synchrotron experiments and exploiting the experimental results. (10 points)
2. Knowledge of powder diffraction specific software for analyzing data (10)
3. Capability of running, maintaining and developing instrumentation, sample environments. (10 points)
4. Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the capability to work within a multidisciplinary team. (10 points)
5. Clearly identified research project to be conducted using MSPD available techniques and ALBA infrastructure (labs or other beamlines) (10 points)
6. Good organizational and planning skills. (5 points)
7. Self-motivation and career plan vision (5 points)

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection board 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 selection board 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 board 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.

Temporary contract (3 years + 3 additional years after positive assessment).

The members of the Selection Board are the following: François Fauth, Laura Simonelli, Catalin Popescu and Núria Valls Vidal.