At DIFFER, we are advancing AI and automation technologies to create next-generation self-driving labs (SDL) for specialized energy applications. This initiative aims to create a flexible autonomous research system that adapt to evolving requirements and diverse research demands.

As a senior experimental researcher, you will bring expertise in electrochemical setup development, maintenance, and material characterization for lab automation. Your main focus will be on developing and using SDL automation technologies to create materials and processes for the conversion of feedstock molecules into useful fuels and valuable chemical compounds. Your tasks will include developing and operating custom high-throughput chemistry equipment, contributing to automated data analysis, and assisting with project planning and lab protocol development.

You will collaborate with researchers on laboratory automation for material design, synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical testing. Additionally, you will scout for new lab technologies and communicate with external suppliers and service agents. This role offers the opportunity to create innovative solutions for clean energy transitions.

1. PhD in Applied Chemical Sciences, (Electro)chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field.
2. Experience in electrochemical material characterization techniques.
3. Experience in electrochemical setup development and maintenance.
4. Strong knowledge of high-throughput wet-chemistry and solid-chemistry equipment.
5. Experience in writing experimental and safety procedures, and laboratory test protocols.
6. (Preferred) experience in laboratory automation for material synthesis and/or characterization.
7. Proactive, responsible, and collaborative personality.
8. Fluency in English.

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years, with possible permanent contract at proven suitability and is graded in pay scale 10 or 11, depending on education, experience and skills. For exceptional candidates who have proven experience in self-driving labs, a tailor-made contract will be offered, at the most pay scale 11, max € 6.000,- gross per month, excl 8% holiday and 8,33% end of year bonus. Applicants from abroad could apply for the 30% arrangement. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.