We are looking for a new and motivated staff member (technical engineer) to take over technical responsibilities in our research group as an instrument maker, maintaining the existing SPM instrumentation and laboratories and supporting the construction of new and unique SPM microscopes. Your responsibilities will be a combination of the following: (i) designing and machining ultra-high vacuum equipment for cryogenic environments, (ii) designing and constructing custom electronics, (iii) developing and supporting programming for hardware control, and (iv) maintaining and supporting our research laboratories. You will also be responsible for discussing and exchanging your ideas and developments in routine staff meetings and technical meetings with other group members.

You will also be responsible for maintaining certain aspects of our labs, independently. You should be enthusiastic to work with motivated students and international scientists on the technical aspects of the instrumentation and you are willing to take over laboratory-related administrative responsibilities.

• A degree in technical science or related to building instrumentation at the senior secondary vocational (MBO) or higher professional (HBO) level or a Master’s degree in Science from a university.
• Preferably experience with machining and 3D CAD design, and/or mechanical engineering or instrument making.
• Preferably knowledge of ultra-high vacuum technology, cryogenics or/and hardware-related programming. R&D experience would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in English and Dutch (advanced level). You will have to interact with and advise students and international scientists on all technical aspects, in both English and Dutch.
• A life-long learning attitude is essential as our research is ongoing, relating to cutting-edge developments in research instrumentation. You should therefore be open to learn new tasks via training and willing to acquire new skills.
• We expect you to work independently as well as in a technical team on complex projects.
• You will obtain training on the specific requirements of our cutting-edge SPM instrumentation and the scientific background of our research projects.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

• Employment: 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 4,274 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 10).
• The exact salary depends on the candidate's qualifications and amount of relevant professional experience.
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: 2 years.
• The intended start date is 1 December 2019.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

The Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) department at Radboud University’s Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) is an interdisciplinary research department currently comprising 15 scientists and students who utilize SPM techniques to study quantum phenomena on the atomic scale, ranging from fundamental physics to chemistry. We approach our scientific goals using and developing cutting-edge SPM instrumentation that operates in ultra-high vacuum, at cryogenic temperatures, with ultra-low mechanical and electronic noise levels, as well as in magnetic fields up to 9T. We closely collaborate with our in-house TechnoCentre, which includes a state-of-the-art machine shop and electronics shop.  

You will work at the SPM department in close collaboration with the scientific and technical staff members, who will provide you with training on SPM-related knowledge. You will be embedded in our team of scientists and students from around the world in a highly inspiring, innovative and creative work environment. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to interact with technical staff members of the various research groups at the IMM, which is an interdisciplinary environment with strong synergy. You will have access to and collaborate with our excellent mechanical and electronic workshop on campus. The staff has long-standing experience with machining and designing research equipment.