Beamlines Control II Group Head

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.

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

 

Tasks
The Controls and Data Acquisition Section is staffed by 20 engineers. The section is responsible of design, develop, operate and support the Control Systems of the Accelerators and Beamlines and the Data Acquisition systems required for the experiments. In addition, the section is also taking charge for the Protection Systems for Personnel and Equipment.

The Controls & DAQ section has four Group Heads. They coordinate projects, services and maintenance tasks across a subset of the section’s client units and technology portfolio. They report directly to the Section Head and other company levels on the status of all these tasks. On the other hand, they must provide expert technical leadership to other less experienced engineers in the group. The Beamlines Controls II Group Head in particular is responsible for a group of experimental beamlines and adjacent laboratories.

His/her responsabilities:
– Build expert software developments for the Control System, data acquisition and data processing of the ALBA Synchrotron’s Beamlines and Accelerators. For example: the core libraries, specific control components including graphical interfaces and support for the detectors.
– Conduct developments in the data processing software used in our Beamlines and adjacent laboratories.
– Provide support for all services related to the Control Systems, in particular for Accelerators and Beamlines during operation.
– Participate in the different maintenance tasks inside the section.
– Lead of an Agile team in control software projects.
– Coordinate a team of people for development and operational activities according to Accelerators and Beamlines operation and installation plans reporting directly to the Controls Section Head.

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.

Formal Education:

University degree in Computer Science.
Alternatively, candidates holding Physics or Engineering degree with additional proven previous knowledge, guaranteeing similar technical capacities as Computer Science university degree will also be considered.
Expert programming knowledge in any of C++, Python, Java, or Qt.
Proficient knowledge of TANGO (https://www.tango-controls.org) or alternative similar distributed Control System.
Proficient knowledge of English (both written and spoken).

 

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).

The assessment of the CV in the competition phase will be 40 points, which will consider the following aspects:

​- Computer Engineering Studies (5 points)
– Experience in the beforementioned technical areas (10 points)
– Knowledge and experience in project and service management (10 points)
– Evaluation of personal contribution in relevant software developments (15 points). The candidate must attach brief descriptions, and optionally a link to source code repositories or publications.

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 at least:
• Presentation of professional experience
• Auto-assessment of personal soft skills
• Coordination capability skills: time management, communication, organization, adaptability and teamwork.
• Vision of the job position
• Motivation for applying

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 until definitive coverage.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Oscar Matilla Barceló, Montserrat Pont Montaner and Guifré Cuní Soler.