Technical Research Assistant for "SludgeCam" ERC-POC Project

Technologies to visualise centrifugation processes are important in the food, water, and chemical industries, where centrifuges are used for solid-liquid separations or for product/process analysis. As a result of a European Research Council project, we are developing  a bench-top device for optical visualisation of centrifugation processes, with integrated electronics and coupled software analysis tool. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who can help us improving the hardware components of the device, overcoming problems of miniaturisation, device robustness under high centrifugal velocities, and image quality under extreme conditions of vibrations and poor light. In addition to co-developing the device, the candidate should also be able to test the device with samples received from companies and research groups. The project is carried out in an academic research lab and involve scientific collaborations. However, the candidate should have a clear predisposition for applied research, have previous experiences working in collaboration with private companies and know how to interface with them in a professional, timely manner. The job requires dissemination through effective and engaging presentations at conferences and other venues.

The project may lead to a startup, so the candidate should be open to consider the possibility of continuing the project in the future if further funding is available.  

We are looking for a candidate with a university education (Bachelor level - BSc, BA or equivalent, MSc or PhD) and proven technical abilities acquired through academic training, working experiences or self-learning.  We are looking for a tinkerer who enjoys trying options out and experimenting with different solutions.

The technical abilities most sought after are in the areas of: small device fabrication; 3D printing; data visualisation; development of electronic circuits (e.g. with Arduino) for actuation of small mechanical equipments; solution of problems of optics that are aimed at obtaining high-quality photographic images from small samples; software for image analysis and processing of photographic images; basics of computer coding in a modern language. Previous experiences as user of laboratory equipment is a plus.

You should bring evidence of delivering on projects in a timely manner when collaborating with companies and institutions, have good communication and presentation abilities (as evidence, for example, by previous dissemination experiences), and have excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Dutch is not required but is a plus.

• We offer a salary according to the CAO Dutch Universities scale 8 to 9 depending on your working experience (from € 3072,-gross to € 4640,- gross per month based on 38 hours per week), plus 8% vacation allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 29 September 2023 via the application button and please submit the following documents as PDF files via the online portal:

1) A cover letter specific to this vacancy, motivating your interest and fit for the project;

2) Your CV;

3) A portfolio describing devices or experimental setups developed in previous projects.

Notes:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.