Technician Research and Education in Mechanical Engineering (1.0 FTE)

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 36,000 students and researchers to develop their individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe, the top 100 universities in the world and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), the Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG - https://www.rug.nl/research/enteg/ ) conducts engineering science research and covers a broad area of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology and information technology. The research unit Discrete Technology and Production Automation (DTPA) is focused on the dynamical modeling, analysis and systems engineering of complex electro-mechanical systems. The application areas include smart energy systems, mechatronic systems, robotic systems, mechatronics of materials, as well as, multi-agent autonomous systems. Two other research units, Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) and Optimization and Decision Systems (ODS) share some of the laboratory space with DTPA.

The research group Discrete Technology & Production Automation has a vacancy for a Technician Research and Education who will coordinate the laboratory activities and support projects for the groups DTPA, SMS and ODS.

Main activities:

• coordinate the activities in the laboratory of DTPA at two locations, with two additional Research and Education assistants
• provide new ideas, new designs and support for laboratory set ups in Systems and Control, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering related research and education
• active preliminary research for new technology available on the market, or to be developed in the laboratory
• design and development of mechatronic systems and electronic circuits
• testing, installing, documenting, and delivering new setups
• coordinate the maintenance of the laboratory setups
• function as advisor about laboratory research and education in the relevant fields
• function as advisor for and participant in projects of DTPA, and potentially also of SMS and ODS
• participate in the acquisition of projects.

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or similar engineering from a university or university of applied sciences, with significant additional experience. Specifically,

• significant experience with laboratory support and coordination
• experience with analogue and digital electronics, electro-mechanical systems, control engineering, sensors, actuators, embedded software, simulation tools and techniques and physical measurement systems. In particular, experience with ROS and software development for embedded systems with ARM-Cortex microcontrollers is highly desirable
• fluent in English and Dutch
• a dynamic, creative and pioneering professional attitude
• the ability to work independently and with colleagues, and to take the lead in coordination and providing new ideas
• a problem solving ability
• cross-cultural sensitivity and strong communication skills
• enjoys working with young people of several educational backgrounds.