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Careers / Research Area
Scientist for the APE-HE Beamline at Elettra 2.0
Deadline: 20 November 2026Ref: DB/26/38
Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is an international multidisciplinary research center offering international users access to synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation for the characterization and processing of matter. The extremely high quality of the light sources and beamlines has set new performance records and has been producing results of great scientific and technological interest. In order to allow the laboratory to remain competitive in the next 20 years, an entirely new synchrotron radiation source - Elettra 2.0 - belonging to the new generation of storage rings (DLSR or Diffraction Limited Storage Ring) is being installed and will join the already operating free-electron source FERMI in the next months. The new source will exhibit a major increase in the brilliance and coherence fraction of the photon beams. The Elettra 2.0 optics is based on our enhanced symmetric six bend achromat structure (S6BA-E) with a 12-fold symmetry and an emittance of 200 pm-rad at 2.4 GeV. The new structure creates also straight sections in the arcs permitting the installation of additional insertion devices, thus increasing the number of beamlines. Existing beamlines are being upgraded and new beamlines constructed to take full advantage of the characteristics of Elettra 2.0. See http://www.elettra.eu for more information.
APE is a state-of-the-art surface science laboratory serving as a support facility for advanced spectroscopic investigations. It comprises two distinct beamlines, Advanced Photoemission Experiments in the Low-Energy range (APE-LE) and Advanced Photoemission Experiments in the High-Energy range (APE-HE), both using polarized synchrotron radiation in the ultraviolet and soft X-ray range to study solid surfaces and nanostructured matter.
The high-energy beamline provides polarized radiation for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), XMCD/LD, NEXAFS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), with a particular focus on investigating surface reactivity and the catalytic properties of materials. It features end-stations for surface-sensitive experiments under ultra-high vacuum (UHV), as well as a dedicated set-up for operando spectroscopy under near-ambient pressure conditions.
APE-HE is among the first beamlines scheduled to become operational with the new Elettra 2.0 storage ring. The beamline optics have been upgraded and will be ready at start-up. A further upgrade is planned, involving the installation of a new undulator, currently being procured.
APE-HE provides services for the Elettra users and is part of the Nano Foundry and Fine Analysis (NFFA) facility offering integrated access services for materials growth and processing, characterization, numerical simulations and synchrotron radiation spectroscopic methods.
The successful candidate will be involved in the operation of the APE-HE beamline, acting as Local Contact for external users, and will be responsible for:
- developing an independent research programme based on soft x-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, including experiments at near-ambient pressure conditions and at cryogenic temperatures (liquid nitrogen);
- commissioning and further developing the APE-HE operando end-station, including the integration of complementary techniques (e.g., IR spectroscopy) into a multi-technique setup;
- actively contributing to instrumental upgrades aimed at adapting APE-HE to the new operating conditions (thermal load, photon flux, beam focalization, etc.) associated with the Elettra2.0 storage ring;
Furthermore, the selected candidate is expected to participate in research projects of the NFFA group, focusing in particular on energy materials and metal-organic frameworks for gas detection and absorption. These activities will involve the combined use of other NFFA beamlines and experimental setups, as well as applications for beamtime a other international facilities.
A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines is required. Applications will be considered also from candidates who have completed a doctoral course of studies and for whom the defense has been scheduled. In any case, the Ph.D. must be awarded by the end of December 2026.
Proven experience in at least one of the following techniques, supported by a publication record commensurate with career stage, is required:
- Synchrotron-based X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS);
- Soft X-ray Absorption spectroscopy (XAS).
Preference will be given to candidates who have used these techniques at synchrotrons under conditions ranging from UHV to ambient pressure and above, and have performed operando experiments and are familiar with near-ambient-conditions soft x-ray spectroscopies.
Any of the following qualifications will be considered as an additional asset (please indicate relevant publications or thesis):
- At least 5 years of experience in nanoscience/nanotechnology after the PhD, with research conducted in international research centers and in research infrastructures hosting multidisciplinary laboratories and electron accelerator sources.
- Prior experience in user support at synchrotron radiation sources, FELs or other research infrastructures hosting multidisciplinary laboratories, particularly in the role of local contact.
- Experience in materials characterization with laboratory techniques e.g., LEED, RHEED, XRD, SEM, etc.
- Experience in IR spectroscopy.
- Demonstrated ability in data processing, in particular for XAS and XPS data analysis.
- Experience in characterization of catalyst activity on surfaces and nanostructures.
The successful candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills favoring collaborative research programs in a team-oriented environment. Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with the facility staff and international users at all levels, and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
