Postdoctoral Researcher in Metallurgy

Reference 2026-CiSMA-1

Deadline

16/11/2026

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

The position is framed within the project Circular Steel for Mass Market Applications (CiSMA), ref. 101177798, a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action coordinated by Eurecat Foundation. CiSMA investigates how residual and trace elements introduced by scrap-based (EAF) steelmaking affect the microstructure and performance of high-end sheet steels. Within ALBA, the Methodology Group participates in the microstructure, segregation and precipitation analysis of the steel samples under study. The selected person will also contribute to the other research activities of the group in the field of metallic materials, within industrially oriented projects and collaborations. These include, among others, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction during mechanical testing to follow phase transformations in advanced high strength steels, and the study of hydrogen effects on their microstructure and formability.

The selected person will report to the Head of the Methodology Group and will work in close synergy with the Interface X-ray/TEM group, beamline scientists, the Joint Electron Microscopy Center at ALBA (JEMCA), the Industrial Liaison Office, and with the project partners, including steelmakers and end users. The role covers the full experimental chain — sample preparation, data acquisition and data analysis — and places particular emphasis on the metallurgical interpretation of the results, supported by modern data-analysis and scientific software practices.

Specifically, the responsibilities will include:

- Preparing and conditioning steel samples for advanced characterisation, including metallographic preparation, cross-sectioning and surface preparation adapted to each technique, and contributing to the development of preparation protocols that do not mask the microstructural and segregation features under study.




- Planning and carrying out data-acquisition campaigns at ALBA beamlines and at the electron microscopy facilities (JEMCA), using techniques such as synchrotron XRD, XAS, 4D-STEM, EDX, EELS, NBED, as well as in-situ experiments, and, where appropriate, at other research infrastructures.
- Analysing and interpreting the resulting data to characterise phases, microstructure, precipitates, local chemical composition and segregation, and their evolution under processing, deformation and hydrogen charging conditions, correlating the results across techniques and length scales.
- Developing and applying data-analysis methods and scientific software (in Python or equivalent) for the reduction, processing and quantitative analysis of these datasets, including the automation of the analysis so that large numbers of samples and measurements can be treated consistently.
- Correlating the experimental results with the alloy design, processing parameters and mechanical performance data provided by the project partners, and with modelling or simulation results where relevant, to support the scientific objectives of the project.
- Disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions, project deliverables and reports, and contributing to the scientific activity of the Methodology Group.
- Collaborating with the main stakeholders involved — project partners, beamline and external scientists, and industrial users — and providing scientific and technical guidance on the use of synchrotron/electron microscopy facilities and microstructural techniques for metallic materials analysis.
- Any other task or duty of a similar nature, consistent with the job category and with the responsibilities, professional level and functional scope of the position, that may reasonably be assigned by Management whenever necessary to ensure its proper functioning.

The role involves experimental work at beamlines and in sample-preparation and microscopy laboratories, which may include handling laboratory equipment and chemicals and participating in measurement campaigns outside regular working hours.

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 Board 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:

- Doctorate (PhD) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a related field.
- At least 2 years of demonstrable research experience in the characterisation of metallic materials, including the analysis and interpretation of experimental microstructural data.

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:

Criterion

Points

Scientific record and research experience in physical metallurgy,



materials science or a related field (peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions and doctoral/postdoctoral research relevant to the position)

up to 6

Experience in advanced microstructural characterisation of metallic materials (optical microscopy, XRD, XAS, SEM/EBSD, STEM-EDX/EELS/NBED)

up to 10

Experience with one or two of these techniques up to 5

Experience with three or more techniques and/or correlative multi-technique analysis of the same material up to 5

Experience in analysing phase transformations in steels (retained austenite, TRIP transformation, hydrogen embrittlement …) and the effect of alloying and residual elements (segregation, precipitation …)

up to 6

Experience at synchrotron or other large-scale research infrastructures, in particular with XRD, XAS, STEM and with in-situ / operando experimental campaigns up to 6

Experience in preparation of metallic samples for advanced characterisation (polishing, cross-sectioning, electropolishing, FIB/TEM lamellae …)

up to 6

Experience in metallographic and cross-section preparation up to 3

Experience in site-specific preparation (FIB/TEM lamellae, electropolishing)

up to 3

Experience in scientific software usage, customisation scripts and programming (Python or an equivalent language) applied to scientific data analysis up to 6

Total

40

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:

- Scientific and technical knowledge related to the position (physical metallurgy of steels, microstructural and synchrotron characterisation techniques, sample preparation, data analysis): 20 points
- Presentation of professional and research experience: 10 points
- Vision of the job position and its scientific objectives: 10 points
- Self-assessment of soft skills, teamwork and ability to interact with scientific users, project partners and industrial clients: 10 points
- Communication skills in English: 5 points
- Motivation for applying: 5 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 minimum requirements.

Other information

The position is funded under the project CiSMA (Horizon Europe ref. 101177798) and the duration of the contract will be linked to this project. Base salary range €37,708 – €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 versátil working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Lucía Aballe, Carlo Marini, Alejandro Sánchez and Joaquín Otón.

📌 Postdoctoral Researcher in Metallurgy (Sardañola del Vallés)
🏢 Sincrotrón ALBA
📍 Sardañola del Vallés