MESA+ NanoLab is seeking a Research and Application Scientist in high-end (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy, (S)TEM), applied to the Materials Sciences. We are looking for applicants with a background in advanced (S)TEM covering a wide range of techniques, including excellent knowledge in data processing procedures.

The primary area of responsibility will be operating and handling our brand new Thermo Scientific Spectra 300 probe-corrected S/TEM.

You will join a team of academic and technical staff running a core central analysis facility, housing a High Resolution low voltage SEM, TEM, FIB-SEM, XPS, and XRD. With the other members of the team, you will contribute to supporting a broad and diverse user community.

Your main task will be to perform basic and advanced materials characterization for a wide range of research groups using (S)TEM and associated techniques. including Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), electron diffraction, Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy and its derivative mode Energy Filtered TEM (EELS, EFTEM), high-resolution TEM, atomic-resolution Scanning TEM (STEM), electron tomography, integrated Differential Phase Contrast STEM imaging (iDPC-STEM), and emerging technologies such as STEM-Ptychography (4D-STEM). There is an increased interest in in-situ and operando S/TEM studies using commercially available special dedicated specimen holders; experience with and/or a keen interest in these techniques will therefore be considered an asset.

You will also serve as the primary point of contact with users of S/TEM and auxiliary equipment, perform and/or organize scheduled maintenance and alignments, order and monitor use of supplies, perform troubleshooting to ensure efficient functionality, provide training and teaching, and overall user supervision. Basic and advanced TEM sample preparation by mechanical polishing and by DualBeam Focused Ion Beam (DB-FIB) using our new Thermo Scientific Helios 5 UX, are also part of your job.

Other activities include reviewing and implementing best practices and standard operating procedures, teaching and advising users on the accurate use of equipment from a procedural standpoint, and on the underlying physics of the various techniques and ensuring compliance with Institute policies, scientific protocols, regulatory agencies and safety practices.

The applicant is expected to contribute to the development of new project proposals in which (S)TEM plays a role, in close collaboration with the various research groups. We invite the candidate to participate in research activities and writing articles, promote MESA+ NanoLab's mission and collaborate with external parties, such as within the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (NEMI). We are looking for a candidate that takes initiative to improve work processes that affect the functions of the primary area; anticipates problems and works proactively to resolve these, finds ways to exploit the present and future possibilities of S/TEM for the benefit of research and commercial interest.

• You hold a PhD or equivalent in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or related disciplines with a dissertation acquired from a research group specialized in (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (S)TEM) and associated techniques.
• You have documented experience with advanced (aberration-corrected) (S)TEM and spectroscopy (EELS).

Required skills:

• You have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to different audiences.
• Fluent and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong analysis and judgement skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team and maintain a dedicated and flexible mindset.
• Able to balance multiple functions at the same time.
• Excellent time management, maintain good organizational skills.
• Experience with (S)TEM simulations and advanced data analysis.

Desired skills:

• Experience in the use of in situ TEM specimen holders for, e.g., heating experiments.
• Experience with FIB-SEM and/or mechanical polishing ('Dimple Grinding and argon ion polishing') for TEM sample preparation.
• Knowledge of and hands-on experience with the Velox software from Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Gatan Microscopy Suite (GMS) software for image and spectroscopic analysis, and basic programming (Python, scripting in GMS, Matlab, or similar).
• An ability to self-educate in current and evolving TEM techniques and transfer knowledge to the group in a team-oriented way.
• Working knowledge of characterization techniques such as XRD, and High Resolution low Voltage SEM with Cathodoluminescence (CL) and EBSD, would be a strong advantage.

The position is for 32-40 hours and initially for one year. Before the end of the contract, you will be subject to a job performance evaluation. If positive and the circumstances of the organization remain the same, the contract may be converted into a permanent contract.
The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO-NU), and include

• a gross monthly salary between € 2.836,- and € 4.474,- based on education and relevant work experience, a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A minimum of 29 leave days in full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. Full time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;
• Excellent professional and personal development programs;
• A solid pension scheme.

Located in the eastern part of The Netherlands, the University of Twente is embedded in a lovely and inspirational green environment. It represents an extremely rich ecosystem that has resulted in numerous successful internationally renowned spin-off companies, many of these start-ups originating from The MESA+ Research Institute.

The MESA+ Institute is a leading nanotechnology research institute. We focus on key enabling technologies (KETs) - photonics, fluidics, hard materials, soft materials and devices, combined with responsible research & innovation - and the convergence of these to realize disruptive innovations in the areas of most societal challenges. Our main contributions are on the Health, ICT and Sustainability areas. The open access character of MESA+ NanoLab for research groups and companies has closely intertwined units: the Analysis Group and the Cleanroom.

Research and Analysis on the nanometer scale require laboratories with extreme specifications. The NanoLab building is constructed to meet such high standards. Any adverse influencing effects from the environment, such as vibration and electromagnetic disturbances, are virtually non-existent. The environmental conditions inside the building, such as temperature, humidity and the influence of light are extremely stable.