Beamline scientist at CODI

Reference 2026-FIX-44 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 to lead the development and deployment of computational imaging and data analysis methods at CoDI. The successful candidate will work across the full imaging workflow, from experiment design and data acquisition to image reconstruction and high-performance computing, and will play a key role in shaping how coherent X-ray imaging is developed and applied at CoDI and across ALBA.

Tasks

• Contribute to the design, construction and operation of the CoDI beamline, with focus on the development and implementation of its scientific and computational imaging programme.

• Co-lead the design and deployment of CoDI’s computational imaging framework for coherent X-ray methods, establishing the foundation for data processing and analysis in strong collaboration with the Methodology group, as weel as with members of the Computing Division and external partners.

• Develop, implement, and optimize novel algorithms and data-processing modules for coherent diffraction imaging and related techniques, including Bragg coherent diffraction imaging, X-ray ptychography, and holography.

- As part of the CoDI group, the successful candidate will work mainly within the Methodology group during the design phase to develop the core computational imaging workflows for CoDI. This includes defining the data architecture and computing strategies to support these workflows.

• 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 research programmes, national and European projects, and scientific collaborations within the wider CoDI programme; strong collaboration with the Methodology group is expected..

• Develop an independent research programme in coherent imaging, with a preference for high-resolution, multimodal, and/or 4D imaging in Bragg or transmission geometries.

• 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 have:

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

• Have at least one year of demonstrated experience in computational methods and data analysis applied to scientific research, including relevant experience gained during doctoral research.

• Have at least one year of practical programming experience for scientific applications, preferably using Python or an equivalent programming language, including the development, adaptation, or use of computational tools for the analysis or processing of scientific data.

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 computational imaging, inverse problems, image reconstruction, or related computational methods, with particular relevance to coherent imaging, e.g. BCDI, Ptychography, Holography. (15 points)

• Experience in developing scientific imaging methods, algorithms, or data-processing pipelines, including the analysis of large-scale scientific datasets and/or high-performance computing. (15 points)

• Experience supporting or leading experimental campaigns at X-ray, electron, laser, or other large-scale research facilities. (5 points)

• Scientific publication record and demonstrated contributions to imaging methods 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:

• Technical competence and experience in computational or coherent imaging, including method development and data analysis. (15 points)

• Ability to develop and implement computational imaging methods and workflows in a multidisciplinary environment. (10 points)

• Experience at large-scale research facilities, including experimental campaigns, data analysis, and/or instrumentation development. (10 points)

• Vision for the scientific and computational 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. (5 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

The Selection Committee is composed by the following members: Johannes Ihli, Carles Bosch Piñol, Joaquín Otón Pérez, Bárbara Machado Calisto, 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.

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 Board is composed by the following members: Francois Fauth, Marta Avila Perez, Edmundo Fraga, Alexander Missyul, Manuel Valvidares