Allround Technician for its research facilities for fundamental energy research

As a technician, you will work alongside fellow technicians on DIFFER’s research facilities, particularly on Magnum-PSI, the institute's largest facility for fundamental research on materials that could be used in future fusion reactors. (For more information, see: https://www.differ.nl/facilities/magnum-psi). You will support the preparation and execution of physics experiments, working at the intersection of physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and control & data acquisition. This role will allow you to gain experience with a broad range of technical disciplines.
Your main tasks will include:

• Learning to independently and safely operate Magnum-PSI, including its diagnostic systems;
• Consulting with scientists and (guest) researchers and translating their research requirements into technical solutions and equipment configurations of Magnum-PSI;
• Preparing and conducting the scientific program on Magnum-PSI in cooperation with scientists and (guest) researchers;
• Collaborating with and supervising specialized technical colleagues (constructors, workshop technicians, electrical engineers, and software engineers) to develop high-quality technical designs and products for the research facilities;
• Configuring Magnum-PSI’s (optical) measurement systems, partially ensuring the quality of the collected data, and instructing students, PhD candidates, and guests on how to use these systems;
• Initiating, implementing, and testing improvements and (small) modifications to Magnum-PSI;
• Performing maintenance, repair, and assembly tasks on Magnum-PSI;
• Depending on your interests and expertise, contributing to other DIFFER research facilities.

What you bring with you
In this role, you will be working with high-end research equipment, requiring an extensive onboarding process. To be eligible for this position, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following:

• You have completed a relevant Bachelor’s degree (HBO-level) in technical or applied physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering;
• You have knowledge and/or experience with vacuum technology and process cooling; knowledge of measurement and control technology or motorized translation and rotation systems is a plus;
• You are hands-on, proactive, and creative in finding technical solutions;
• You are enthusiastic and a proactive team player, able to carry out tasks with a high degree of independence;
• You have strong verbal and written communication skills in English; Dutch language skills are considered an advantage.

Our offer
You can expect a socially relevant, dynamic role in the world of research. DIFFER’s stimulating international environment is located near the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), in the vibrant Brainport Eindhoven region.
When you join DIFFER, you will be employed by NWO-I. You will have access to the customizable benefits program (AVOM) offered by NWO-I, as well as various policies that support a healthy work-life balance.
We strive for a transparent and inclusive work environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. The research field we operate in requires colleagues who are eager to continuously develop themselves.
In this position, we offer you:

• A 2-year employment contract, with the possibility of extension;
• A gross monthly salary of up to €4,415 (maximum salary in scale 8), depending on relevant work experience. This salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus;
• Excellent secondary employment benefits, including a pension plan, group discounts on individual insurance policies, and travel expense reimbursement. We also offer relocation cost compensation and assistance with finding housing.

More information about working at NWO can be found on the NWO website:

https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/

At DIFFER, we believe that a diverse workforce in terms of gender, age, and cultural background is essential for achieving excellence in research. We therefore encourage everyone to apply.

Het Nederlands Instituut voor Funderend Energieonderzoek (DIFFER) doet onderzoek naar materialen, processen en systemen voor een wereldwijde duurzame energie infrastructuur. We werken nauw samen met (inter)nationale onderzoeksinstellingen en bedrijven. Onze faciliteiten zijn beschikbaar voor de industrie en wetenschappelijk onderzoekers. Als een van de negen onderzoeksinstituten van de Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO) speelt DIFFER een belangrijke rol in funderend onderzoek voor de wereldwijde energietransitie.

Met multidisciplinair energieonderzoek focussen we op twee belangrijke gebieden, solar fuels voor de conversie en opslag van hernieuwbare energie en kernfusie, een schone bron van energie.