X-ray/TEM Postdoctoral Researcher

Reference

2026-IMPRESS-1

Deadline

15/11/2026

Division

Experiments

Institution

ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating thirteen 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 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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMqiH4qBAo

Tasks

This postdoctoral position is dedicated to scientific and technical methods for correlative operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) and (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (S)TEM within the frame of the IMPRESS project (Interoperable electron Microscopy Platform for advanced RESearch and Services), funded by HORIZON-INFRA-2022-TECH-01-01.

The IMPRESS project aims to develop an interoperable platform based on a modular and standardized cartridge concept. The cartridges are designed to be inserted into TEM specimen and aperture holders, as well as other instruments for preparation and characterization, including surface science tools, transport measurements, microfocus X-ray tomography instruments, and synchrotrons. Within IMPRESS, ALBA is involved in the development of a MEMS-based micro-reactor for correlative photocatalytic experiments in TEM and synchrotron beamlines for CO2 reduction reaction and generation of high value products.





The selected person will report to the Interdisciplinary and Multimodal Section Head and will work in close synergy with the Interface X-ray/TEM and Methodology groups, with beamline scientists, the Joint Electron Microscopy Center at ALBA (JEMCA), and with the project partners. The role emphasis is on the testing of the microreactor prototypes in the (S)TEM and x-ray beamlines.

Specifically, the responsibilities will include:

• Executing the commissioning, operation and maintenance of micro-cell reactor systems for catalysis research.

- Contributing to define procedures for operando and in-situ correlative (S)TEM/X-ray analysis services within a network of experts and under consideration of the international community.

- Contributing to the improvement of the micro-cell reactor system and the development of a true multi-technique approach that will benefit staff, collaborators, and external users.

- Supporting staff and collaborators in (S)TEM and x-ray experiments making use of the micro-cell reactor systems.

- Analysing and interpreting multimodal experimental data.

- Disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions, project deliverables and reports.

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.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Physics, or equivalent, and have hands-on experience in (S)TEM and/or synchrotron X-ray techniques.

Everyone who meets the requirements will be admitted for the selection 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.

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:

- Hands-on experience with in situ (S)TEM - up to 10 points.
- Hands-on experience with in situ synchrotron experiments - up to 10 points.
- Experience in developing and testing scientific instrumentation (reaction cells, gas delivery systems, illumination systems, strain cells...) – up to 10 pts.
- Scientific experience in x-ray/(S)TEM correlative experiments – up to 5 pts.
- Hands-on experience with advanced (S)TEM) techniques (e.g.: 4D-STEM, EDX/EELS, e-tomography, e-ptychography, …) and/or advanced correlative data analysis – up to 5 pts.

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:

- Presentation of professional experience and capability to independently design and execute advanced scientific experiments - up to 20 points.
- Soft skills, capability to work in a team - up to 10 points.
- Capability to develop innovative methodologies - up to 10 points.
- Communication and coordination skills - up to 10 points.
- Vision of the job position and motivation for applying - up to 10 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.

Other information

Temporary contract linked to the HORIZON-INFRA-2022-TECH-01-01 IMPRESS project.

Base salary range €39,350 – €42,982 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.

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

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Núria Bagués Salguero, Antoni García de Herreros Dunyac, Joaquín Otón Pérez, Lucía Aballe Aramburu.

📌 X-ray/TEM Postdoctoral Researcher (España)
🏢 ALBA Synchrotron
📍 España