Digital Low Level RF scientist/engineer

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
CELLS is looking for an scientist or engineer, with knowledge in digital electronics, to be incorporated in the RF Group of ALBA Accelerator Division, as Digital Low Level RF responsible.

The key functions of the post are as follows, for the accelerators of ALBA:
– Maintenance, improvements and developments of the Digital LLRF systems.
– Contribute to the operation and maintenance of the complete RF systems.
– Contribute to the operation of the ALBA accelerators, including shifts and on-call.

In addition, the candidate:
– Shall be available to work in shifts during the operation periods.
– Shall be available to travel, including occasional periods away from home.

In due course and depending on the development of the accelerators and project requirements the candidate will be expected to take up work as defined by the Division 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.

Profiles of interest are candidates with experience in digital electronics, and in modelling and programing low level RF control loops. The candidate shall match the following requirements:

– Qualified to degree level in an appropriate branch of Physics or Engineering.
– Good command of the English language.

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 scored up to 40 points, which will consider the following aspects::
• Professional experience in related tasks of the candidates at a rate of a half point (0,5) per month worked up to a maximum of 12 points.
• The specific knowledge related to the tasks of the position will be evaluated, up to 26 points, with the following aspects:
o Knowledge and experience in digital hardware, FPGAs (4 points).
o Knowledge and experience in digital firmware programming, VHDL (4 points).
o Knowledge of control theory and digital signal processing (3 points).
o Knowledge on PCB design, Altium, KiCad,… (3 points)
o Knowledge of analogue electronics (3 points).
o Knowledge and practical experience in measurement devices as oscilloscopes, network and spectrum analysers, in the radio frequency band (3 points).
o Knowledge and experience in Low Level RF systems for accelerators (3 point).
o Knowledge and experience in accelerator RF systems and accelerators in general (3 point).
• Language skills up to 2 points:
o 2 points for at least having a high level of Spanish or Catalan.

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. Also, the interpersonal skills, the adaptability to a multidisciplinary environment, the sense of responsibility, and the capabilities to work in a group 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 academia, professional experience and skills.
• Auto-assessment of soft skills.
• Motivation for the position
• Questions and Answers by the board

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
Salary depending on qualifications and experience.

Temporary contract until definitive coverage.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Francisco José Pérez Rodríguez, Pol Solans Rossell, Raquel Muñoz Horta and Jose Ávila Abellán.