You will be appointed at the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), which is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Embedded in the (Polymer and Organic Chemistry research groups (prof Pich and prof Orru) working on the synthesis of biobased molecular building blocks and functional biobased polymers with tailored structure and properties, you will operate from the Brightlands-Chemelot Campus in Geleen (NL), where the labs of AMIBM are located.

As an Education and Research Technician you manage state-of-the-art equipment for synthesis and characterization of organic compounds and polymers. You are responsible for the maintenance and operation of various analytical equipment, such as gas and liquid chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, titration equipment, viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, solvent drying equipment, nuclear magnetic resonance, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, as well as synthetic equipment like parallel synthesis equipment, glove boxes, various reactor types for polymerization, synthesis under microwave and flow conditions or under high-pressure,,. You support and instruct researchers and students with analytical questions and equipment handling as well as with synthetic problems. You are also involved in the design and construction of laboratory set-ups and help to translate ideas into practical, feasible solutions, always keeping a sharp eye on the safety aspects. You are responsible for keeping the equipment up-to-date and you get in touch with suppliers in case there are problems you cannot solve. This also includes the maintenance of standard lab equipment like vacuum pumps, cooling devices, glassware, rotavapors etc.

Management of the biobased monomers and polymers collections and database of our labs also belongs to your task. This includes ordering and stock management of chemicals and consumables, registration of chemicals in the central database, coordination of weekly lab cleaning, safety management and instructions, waste deposition, coordination with the glassblower etc.

From teaching point of view, you will take care of chemistry related lab sessions in the bachelor program and lab sessions on polymer and/or organic chemistry and coating technology in the biobased master program. As an experienced lab member, you will also act as a coach for new PhD, master and bachelor students.

Applications are welcome for a technician (Analist HBO-level) with a track record in Organic and/or Polymer Chemistry. The Chemistry Education and Research Technician:

-          holds a bachelor degree (HBO) in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Chemical Engineering;

-          has demonstrated experience in operating and managing analytical and synthetic equipment;

-          strong interest in organic chemistry and polymer synthesis is an advantage;

-          works independently in a highly dynamic and international setting;

-          combines good practical skills with good communication skills;

-          shows a proactive work attitude and is able to set priorities;

-          is proficient in Dutch and English.

The temporary full-time position is offered for 2 years with the possibility for a permanent contract. The salary will be set in scale 8 of the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (between €2.579 gross per month and €3.445 gross per month). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplemented with local UM provisions. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 18,000 students and 4,400 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Aachen-Maastricht Institue for Biobased Materials (AMIBM)

The Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM) is a department of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) at Maastricht University. AMIBM is a European cross-border research institute established by Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen University focusing on the development of advanced biobased materials. The mission of AMIBM is to replace traditional polymer building blocks with innovative and sustainable alternatives for the development of novel and environmentally-beneficial materials. AMIBM promotes world-class multidisciplinary research in the field of biobased materials, by training PhD students with the multiple skills needed to be future leaders in the field, and creating the research breakthroughs that will enable the utilization of sustainable and renewable materials for advanced materials applications. The multidisciplinary team draws together scientists with expertise in organic chemistry, biocatalysis, lead finding of new biobased blocks, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer engineering, biobased and biomedical materials, tissue engineering, and industrial and medical applications. More information can be found via https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/institutes/aachen-maastricht-institute-bio-based-materials.