Generic Controls Software - Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, España - Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)

Descripción

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. 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:

Tasks

Please view the following video for a detailed explanation of the position's functions and selection process:

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

The Controls & DAQ Section has four Group Heads. They coordinate the work of the section and assist the Section Head in decision-making. They report directly to the Section Head and other company levels on the status of the work. On the other hand, they must provide expert technical leadership to other less experienced engineers in the group.

We are looking for a Generic Controls Software and Toolset Group Head, experienced in the development of core libraries and applications extendable with plugins, eager to lead and coordinate works of the section, more precisely:

• Lead activities in the field of Generic Controls Software and Toolset, including proposal and follow-up of section goals, key projects, and contributions to conferences and external events.

• Lead of Agile teams for software development projects. Coordinate a team of engineers for development and operational activities according to Accelerators and Beamlines operation and installation plans.

• Prioritize projects, service and maintenance tasks across a subset of the section's customer units and technology portfolio.

• 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 controls software and 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 the growth of the Section's technical expertise.

• Be a contact person for internal customer units and external collaborations.

• Provide operational support and maintenance for the services related to the Control Systems, particularly for Accelerators and Beamlines.

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

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.

• 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 proficient programming experience or equivalent knowledge in Python.

• Alternatively, candidates with C++, Java or other OOP languages will also be considered.
Proficient knowledge of Network-based DCS e.g. TANGO (mainly), EPICS.

The position requires speaking and writing English fluently (equivalent to C1 level).

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 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 beforementioned technical areas (up to 10 points for 5 years)

• Knowledge and experience in Agile project and service management of teams (up to 10 points for 2 years)

• Evaluation of major personal contribution in relevant generic controls software developments e.g. core libraries, applications extendable with plugins (up to 15 points for Python based project, up to 10 points for any other OOP language). The candidate must attach brief descriptions, and optionally a link to source code repositories or publications. For example:
1. Final Degree thesis
2. Open-source projects
3. Specific Professional Development
4. Personal project

The best-rated candidates, at least two if possible, will be invited to an interview. The technical competence, knowledge, skills, and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. To be eligible, a minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points.

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 personal soft skills

• Coordination capability skills: time management, communication, organization, adaptability and teamwork.

• Vision of the job position

• Motivation for applying

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
Permanent contract.

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Oscar Matilla Barceló, Zbigniew Reszela and Lucía Aballe Aramburu.