Beamline scientist at CODI

Reference 2026-FIX-43 Deadline 19/10/2026 Division Experiments

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating 13 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.

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 work-life balance.

ALBA is entering a major growth phase, including the construction of two new coherent X-ray imaging beamlines as part of the development of ALBA II, a fourth-generation synchrotron scheduled to deliver first light in 2031. One of these new beamlines is the Coherent Diffraction Imaging Beamline (CoDI), a next-generation beamline designed to take full advantage of the high coherence and brightness of ALBA II. CoDI will enable high-resolution 3D and 4D nanoimaging using coherent X-ray imaging techniques in transmission and Bragg geometries, with multimodal, in situ and operando capabilities.

We are looking for a Beamline Scientist with a background in optics, instrumentation, or systems engineering to drive the development and continuous evolution of CoDI’s experimental capabilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of novel X-ray optical and instrumentation solutions, including advanced focusing, precision positioning, and data acquisition strategies for coherent imaging. The position is ideal for a hands-on experimental physicist or engineer interested in developing and implementing new approaches to high-resolution and fast coherent X-ray imaging.

Tasks

• Contribute to the design and construction of the CoDI beamline, including the development and implementation of its opticts and instrumentation programme.

• Contribute to the development and continuous evolution of CoDI’s experimental infrastructure for coherent X-ray imaging, with the opportunity to progressively take ownership of key areas including focusing optics, experimental control, instrumentation, and data acquisition.

• Collaborate with ALBA’s engineering, controls, computing, and other beamline teams and/or partners in the development, integration, commissioning, maintenance, and upgrade of CoDI’s instrumentation and experimental capabilities.

• Participate in the development and implementation of the CoDI user programme.

• Provide scientific and technical support to scientific and industrial users of the beamline as a local contact or support scientist following the Local Contact agreement and other regulations.

• Participate in and contribute to research programmes, national and European projects, and scientific collaborations within the wider CoDI programme.

• Develop an independent research programme in nanoimaging, preferably enhancing X-ray optics, instrumentation, sample environments, or advanced acquisition strategies of CoDI.

• Collaborate within the division to support the integration of CoDI capabilities into the broader ALBA scientific portfolio, especially when CoDI is fully operational..

• Perform any other similar and reasonable duties and functions in accordance with the responsibilities of the position that may be assigned by Management, where applicable.

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 application documents attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection committee to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.

The successful candidate must:

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in Physics, Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.

• Have at least one year of demonstrated experience in the design, development, integration, or operation of scientific instrumentation or complex experimental systems, including relevant experience gained during doctoral research.

• Have at least one year of experience working in multidisciplinary teams involving scientific, engineering, or technical disciplines.

Application Documents

• Cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the position (maximum two pages).

• Curriculum Vitae including publication list.

• Contact information for up to five professional references.

Application Conditions

• Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.

• Everyone who meets the requirements will be admitted for the selective process.

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, which will consider the following aspects:

• Experience in the development and integration of optical systems, X-ray optics, or other precision optical instrumentation relevant to scientific applications. (15 points)

• Experience in the design and integration of scientific instrumentation or complex experimental systems, including, for example, precision positioning, metrology, motion control, instrument control, or hardware–software integration. (15 points)

• Experience supporting or leading experimental campaigns at X-ray, electron, laser, or optical microscopy facilities. (5 points)

• Scientific publication record, commensurate with career stage, demonstrating contributions to instrumentation, X-ray optics, or imaging method development. (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.

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 be conducted in English and will address the following topics:

• Experience with imaging techniques, data analysis and experimental orchestration. (15 points)

• Experience in precision instrumentation, metrology, or optical systems (development or integration). (15 points)

• Vision for the scientific and experimental development of CoDI, including alignment with current developments and future directions in coherent or nanoimaging. (10 points)

• Communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. (5 points)

• Ability to supervise, mentor, and support students and junior researchers. (5 points)

• Motivation for applying, self-motivation, and organizational and planning skills. (10 points)

Additional Provisions

• 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.

• 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.

Disability and Equal Opportunity Provisions

• In the event of a tie in the final score, preference will be given to candidates from the underrepresented gender in the Experiments Division.

• Candidates with a legally recognized disability of 33% or higher will be given priority in the selection process. If one or more eligible candidates meet this criterion, their applications will be assessed first. If no such candidate is ultimately selected, the selection process will continue with the remaining applicants.

Other information

Contract: Permanent.

Base salary range € 41.063 – € 46.798 gross per year.

The base salary offered will be determined according to the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant professional experience, competencies and overall suitability for the position.

Additional remuneration:

• Annual productivity bonus (approximately 4% of the base salary), subject to the applicable internal policy and performance evaluation.
• Local Contact compensation.

ALBA also offers an attractive employment conditions, including flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

The Selection Committee is composed by the following members: Johannes Ihli, Carles Bosch Piñol, Josep Nicolàs Roman, Nahikari González Martínez De Lapera, François Fauth and Klaus Attenkofer.

Further information about ALBA, the ALBA II project, and the CoDI beamline can be found at the following links:ALBA**;** ALBA II**;** CoDI.