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

Please view the following video for a detailed explanation of the positions’ functions and selection process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQrpu32UhC8

The Controls and Data Acquisition (DAQ) Section is currently staffed by 19 engineers. They design, develop, operate and support the Control Systems of the Accelerators, Beamlines, and Laboratories and the Data Acquisition systems required for the experiments. Also, the section is responsible for the Protection Systems for Personnel and Equipment.

In relation with the ALBA II project, the Controls and DAQ Section will grow with additional 5 engineers. This job offer is to cover two of these new positions.

We are looking for two Controls Software Engineers eager to learn and take on new challenges while contributing to:

- Develop Software for the Control System, Data Acquisition, and Data Processing of the ALBA Synchrotron’s Accelerators and Beamlines.
- Participate in the development of the generic software toolset, including the core libraries, hardware specific developments and control, including graphical components and integration of actuators, sensors and detectors.




- Propose and implement innovation projects in the field of Controls software in order to ensure growth of the Section technical expertise.
- Be a contact person for internal customer units and external collaborations.
- Take part in Agile teams for software development projects.
- Provide operational support and maintenance for the services related to the Control Systems, particularly for Accelerators and Beamlines.
- And any other task or function of a similar nature, consistent with the category, in accordance with the responsibilities, professional level, and functional scope of the position, that may be reasonably assigned by Management when necessary for proper operation.

The successful candidate will work in technical areas such as:
- Software Interfaces; Network-based Distributed Control Systems (DCS) e.g. TANGO (mainly), EPICS
- Python based Controls and DAQ frameworks for Synchrotron’s Accelerators and Beamlines
- Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), either for desktop environment in PyQt and pyqtgraph or for web environment in JavaScript and React
- DevOps: automated testing, packaging and CI/CD, Configuration Management, logging and monitoring
- Linux System administration, Linux Kernel device drivers and Linux Kernel modules

The position requires fluent speaking and writing of English. If a candidate's English level is lower, the consortium will provide means for reaching the desired level within 6 months. 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 Engineering. Final year students of Computer Engineering degree (at least 180 ECTS achieved) will be as well accepted and shall attach their academic Transcript of Records (ToR).
- Alternatively, candidates holding Physics or Engineering degree guaranteeing similar technical capacities as Computer Engineering university degree will also be considered.

Programming

- She/he must have at least 3 year of programming experience or equivalent knowledge in Python or C++.
- Alternatively, candidates with at least 5 years of experience with Java or other OOP languages will also be considered.

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

- Computer Engineering Studies (5 points); Alternatively, candidates with other studies demonstrating courses certificates in Software Development Lifecycle (up to 5 points for 200 h courses).
- Experience in the before mentioned technical areas (up to 35 points for 5 years); DCS (10 points), Python Controls and DAQ frameworks (10 points), GUIs (5 points); DevOps (5 points), Linux (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 Include At Least

- Presentation of professional experience.
- Auto-assessment of soft skills.
- Vision of the job position
- Motivation for applying

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

Permanent contract.

Base salary range €34,500 – €43,000 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.

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

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Laura Simonelli, Nicolas Soler and Zbigniew Reszela.

📌 2 Controls Software Engineers (Sardañola del Vallés)
🏢 ALBA Synchrotron
📍 Sardañola del Vallés