What is your job at ALBA?

I am an Electronics Technician. In the Electronics Section, we are in charge of the maintenance of all the electronics inside the facility. We solve the incidences that arise in relation to the electronics, but also implement upgrades in the beamlines and develop new equipment together with Engineering.

The most critical incidences are usually related to the Booster since it can result in a shutdown of the whole accelerator complex. Then we have all the incidences related to the beamlines, each one has its own characteristics and specific problems that can arise.

What do you enjoy the most about your job at ALBA?

The project I have enjoyed the most is the moving and installation of the NOTOS beamline from the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), in France, to ALBA.

Part of the NOTOS equipment comes from the Spanish CRG beamline (SpLine) at the ESRF, which had two end stations, similar to our CIRCE beamline. We disassembled one of the end stations there and brought it here, where we installed a new monochromator and some other parts developed in ALBA, tuning the beamline for its new operation.

What was your perception of ALBA before working for it?

Since I live close to ALBA, I had the opportunity to visit the facility two times before working here. The first time, in secondary school, it was still under construction with only a couple of beamlines built, but I was impressed by its possibilities. Later, during my baccalaureate, I had the opportunity to visit it again and I loved it, so my teacher suggested I look for vocational training studies related to electronics.

By 2014-2015, I ended up being the first Dual Vocational Training student doing an internship in ALBA. Shortly after finishing my internship, they opened a new position; I applied for it and got it.

For me, it is a great experience. Being able to work with different scientists and people from such different backgrounds helps you learn a lot.

Do you collaborate with other research institutions?

Yes. We, as technicians, have less direct contact with other synchrotrons in comparison with scientists for example, but we do have close collaborations in other kinds of projects, related to the development of new equipment. Such as the Electrometer (Em#) project, jointly with the MAX IV Laboratory. There are always collaborations between synchrotrons to develop and upgrade the facilities.

Any differences with previous jobs?

Sport has always been an important part of my life. I was a basketball trainer since I was 12 years old, and became the coordinator of my association by 18. When I joined ALBA I was still a coordinator, but I stopped doing it four or five years ago since it was not compatible with my work here.

Which are your hobbies?

In my spare time, I like to draw tales on my graphic tablet, practice sport, and read mangas.