The GeoLab, the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, has a vacancy for a Technician for electron microprobe and microscope support. The laboratory hosts a range of advanced analytical instruments tailored to Earth System Sciences research.

We are looking for an experienced person with expertise in quantitative electron microprobe analysis of geological materials. The prospective candidate will be jointly responsible for running our JEOL JXA-8530F FEG electron microprobe and associated preparation equipment. This includes the operation, calibration and routine maintenance of instrument, supervision and training of users and a basic support to users in the interpretation of the analysis results. Moreover, the candidate will be responsible for the FIB-SEM located in the electron microscopy facility EM Square. The main tasks will be the supervision and training of users, preparation of TEM lamellae using FIB-SEM, FIB-SEM tomography, high resolution SEM imaging and cryo-stage SEM. In addition, the candidate will also apply CL-imaging and spectroscopy on electron microprobe and SEM and EDX analysis systems on electron microprobe, SEM and TEM for automated mineralogy analysis.

We seek a highly motivated candidate with expertise in micro-chemical and microstructural analysis and applications in Earth sciences and a keen interest in advising and supporting scientists in various Earth science-related projects. The candidate has a detailed knowledge in mineralogy and holds at least an MSc in Earth sciences, (instrumental) Analytical Chemistry or a related field or has a similar level through experience. He/she will be at the interface between scientific research and technical support and is expected to be a team-player and to contribute his/her expertise to the projects of the users. As the candidate will work in a dynamic and international environment in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, he/she should be able to communicate well with scientists and supporting staff in English and preferably also in Dutch. We expect foreign candidates to master the Dutch language within two years.

We offer an initial two-year position that can be converted into a permanent position dependent upon good performance reviews. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,709 and €3,722 (scale 9 Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment. The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 % per year. We offer a pension scheme, collective insurance schemes and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information is available at: working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Geosciences offers education and research applied to the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and anthroposphere. With a population of 2,600 students (BSc and MSc) and 700 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty is organized in four Departments: Innovation, Environmental and Energy Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography and Human Geography and Planning.

The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and carries out research in close collaboration with Scientists, students, PhD students and Postdocs. This covers a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work on different types of sample materials like rocks, soils, sediments, water and air. Our work comprises the preparation of samples as well as the subsequent analysis by means of various (advanced) analytical techniques. In order to be able to respond on changes in research, we develop our own new applications, if necessary. Together with our partners TNO and Deltares within the large-scale scientific infrastructure Utrecht CASTEL, we are on our way to become a facility of leading research on the system Earth. The electron microprobe is part of the national facility for high-resolution in situ isotope and element analysis and is run in co-operation with Naturalis in Leiden and the VU Amsterdam.

The electron microscopy facility EM Square hosts several advanced electron microscopes with a full range of imaging modes and analytical tools. The facility is devoted to the development and application of electron microscopy methodologies for life sciences, geosciences and materials sciences research.