Research Lab Technician

The Functional Materials group and Catalysis Engineering group in the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) at the University of Amsterdam is recruiting a Research Technician for supporting an exciting and multidisciplinary research. 

The focus of the Catalysis Engineering Group at the University of Amsterdam's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is to develop sustainable chemical processes. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering. We design solid catalysts and apply them in reactions relevant to industry and society. In doing so, we also probe the structural features of these solid materials that make them catalytically active and selective. The chemical conversions range from petrochemicals and biomass to lower alkanes and CO2 and are performed in batch and flow reactors. 

The Functional Materials Group focuses on the synthetic design of inorganic and hybrid inorganic-organic materials with tailored functional properties, by developing low-energy routes and exploiting nanoscale effects. While developing new synthetic methodologies, we also focus on designing and building specific lab equipment. We use both liquid-phase (LPE) and gas-phase (ALD) methods for the integration of materials on surfaces and XRD, UV-ViS, TGA-DSC, EDX, gas adsorption for detailed analysis of bulk materials and surface characterisation.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a technician, who is highly motivated and open to work in a high multidisciplinary environment. You must have, at least, finished a HBO with chemistry background with a special focus on engineering, preferably chemical engineering. You are willing to share your expertise with the other group members as well as being open to acquire new knowledge from them. Ability to work independently (after an initial training) and laboratory trouble-shooting is highly required. Good communication skills in oral and written English is necessary.

What are you going to do?

As a lab technician you will be in charge of the operation of advanced chemical laboratories and equipment. You will be part of a team of scientific staff. You are challenged to find creative solutions to advance scientific research at a world leading level and guard the lab safety.
Tasks and responsibilities:

• Help scientific staff to assemble, test, improve and operate routine and complex research infrastructure in the field of synthesis and catalysis chemistry;
• Keep updated on novel equipment and processes on the market and advise your supervisor about innovations and possible applications into our (future) research;
• Exhibit the highest degree of reliability and accuracy to assure quality and reproducibility of results;
• Perform daily management and organisation of the laboratory;
• Instruct (in collaboration with the supervisor) PhD- and undergraduate students on laboratory work processes and a safe working environment;
• Manage usage, operation and maintenance of instruments and instruct new users;
• Introduction to new team members in lab (safety) procedures and guarding the implementation;
• Travel to workshops, collaborators and other universities in the Netherlands may be occasionally required;
• Keep updated with relevant literature related to the research field;
• Actively participate in meetings on research, infrastructure, organization and/or safety;
• Negotiate with suppliers, order consumables and instrument parts and oversee assembly thereof;
• Contribute to the general technical skill set of the institute and organizational tasks (First aid, BHV, software superusers etc);
• Occasionally participate in outreach activities like lab tours or preparing demo’s;
• Providing support to the laboratory by performing operational tasks equipment maintenance and calibration, conducting routine analysis tests, changing gases, ordering consumables ordering and document/data management, etc.;
• Troubleshoot and report software and hardware issues.

 
What do you have to offer?

The general requirements for all open positions are:

• At least a Bachelor degree (HBO or WO) in chemistry, preferably in material science and/or in (chemical) engineering;
• A strong commitment to safety and the safety of others;
• Strong team-player with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Hands-on problem solving mentality;
• Good time- and project-management skills;
• Competent with computers (software, hardware, networks);
• Good communication skills in both Dutch and English (many of the tasks involve interactions with Dutch companies and service providers);
• Experience in handling/maintaining high temperature/high pressure batch and/or flow reactors, gas equipment, mass flow controllers etc is very much preferred;
• Experience in maintenance of equipment such as  pumps, Swagelok connections;
• Knowledge of engineering softwares such as Aspen/Ansys;
• Knowledge of programming and electronics and an interest in programming;
• Experience in conducting  chemical experiments and analysis using standard analytical techniques; experience with spectroscopic techniques is a plus;
• Experience and affinity with analysis methodology in combination with laboratory instruments;
• Strongly preferred: experience in thin films deposition, processing equipment, and surface characterisation techniques.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 22,8 -30,4 hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. If we assess your performance positive, a permanent contract will follow. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,377.- to € 4,640.-. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Technicus onderw.- en onderz.gebonden O3 is applicable. For this position we cannot sponsor a visa. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time employment) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two-thirds of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry , Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics .
The Synthesis & Catalysis theme encompasses organic synthesis and all aspects of catalysis, including homogeneous catalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, flow chemistry, organocatalysis, and catalysis engineering. Projects range from fundamental to applied research. To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam .

Questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
•    Dr. Shiju Raveendran, Associate professor of Catalysis Engineering: [email protected]
•    Dr. Stefania Grecea, Associate professor Functional Materials: [email protected]

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including May 1, 2024.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• A letter of motivation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. We will recruit until each position is filled with a suitable candidate.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.