Institution
ALBA is the Spanish synchrotron light source, a large research infrastructure operating ten 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.
We are offering a Post Doctoral position at the CIRCE beamline group to conduct research and develop new characterization techniques at the PEEM station inside the framework of a European project on solid state electrolyte zero excess Li batteries.
We look for an enthusiastic scientist holding a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or scientific technology, who has an experimental background related to the field of lithium ion batteries or similar, with knowledge of fabrication and/or characterization processes. Experience with surface science techniques and synchrotron radiation is welcome although it is not necessary.
For more information, you can take a look on our history watching this video:
Tasks
Zero excess Li solid electrolyte batteries are a promising candidate for batteries with a better performance, lower consumption and less material for an easier waste recycling.
In this battery type the lithium anode is formed in situ during the first charging cycle of the battery, and in the OPERA project (EU-PID 101103834) we aim to develop and use new experimental methodologies to understand the anode formation to improve the battery performance. As a partner of the OPERA consortium, the group at the CIRCE-PEEM endstation is applying highly surface sensitive techniques like Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) and Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM), to study the anode formation process in order to understand and avoid the dendrite formation during the charging-discharging cycles. As part of the project the candidate tasks will be:
* To plan, perform and analyse experiments inside the OPERA project about solid state Li batteries with PEEM and synchrotron radiation together with the beamline regular staff and external collaborators.
* To collaborate with the partners in the European consortium in developing the strategies, goals and experiments of the project, as well as in reporting and project organization.
* To engage with other groups of the Experiments Division and ALBA to find synergies between the ALBA battery program and the OPERA project.
* To help with the PEEM and beamline calibration and maintenance as far as required to obtain the project objectives.
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.
The candidate should:
* Hold a PhD in Physics, or Chemistry, or Material Science or similar disciplines
* Have at least 1 year of experience in Li batteries (or similar) characterization and/or fabrication.
* Have at least 1 year of experience in surface science techniques or synchrotron techniques like thin film growth, XPS, XAS, PEEM, Electron microscopy or related techniques.
* Good level of English equivalent to C1 level
Everyone who meets the requirements will be admitted for the selective 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). The assessment of the CV in the competition phase will be scored up to 40 points, and will consider the following aspects:
• Scientific and technical experience in the field of batteries (fabrication, battery characterization…) (15 points).
• Technical experience in Surface Science techniques (like PEEM, XPS, XAS,…) and/or thin films growth like MBE, PLD,…. (10 points)
• Experience in conduct or participation in research programs in the field of batteries related materials (10 points)
• Having performed experiments at large scale facility or being familiar with similar environment (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 assess the following aspects, among others:
• Capability of running synchrotron experiments in the field of battery related materials and exploit the experimental results. (10 points)
• Capability to operate instrumentation and handle UHV setups. (10 points)
• Capability to work in the battery lab environment (glove box, chemistry lab,…). (10 points)
• Ability and experience to work in a multidisciplinary and international team.
· Good interpersonal and communication skills, including effective communication in English. (10 points)
• Good organizational and planning skills. (10 points)
• Self-motivation. (10 points)
The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection body 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 Board Selection 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 body considers not to have found suitable candidates for the position although they might meet the minimum requirements.
Other information
Temporary contract linked to OPERA Project (EU, GA num. 101103834).
The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Manuel Valvidares Suárez, Miguel Ángel Niño Orti, Laura Simonelli, Michael Foerster and Fernán Saiz Poyatos.
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