Technician SEM and FIB-SEM

We are looking for an experienced laboratory technician specialized in electron imaging of geological materials. Beyond operation, calibration and routine maintenance of our (Focused Ion Beam) Scanning Electron Microscopes, you will also supervise and train users. Drawing on your expertise, you will support users in interpretating analytical results and advise them on the most suitable analytical methods.

Your job
The GeoLab, the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, invites applications for a Laboratory Technician specializing in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) to support advanced research in Earth materials.

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in electron imaging of geological materials. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining the following equipment:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Helios FIB-SEM
• Zeiss EVO15 SEM with a Bruker dual EDS system
• Zeiss Gemini SEM equipped with Oxford Instruments EBSD and EDS systems, Delmic Cathodoluminescence detection system, and a Quorum cryo-transfer stage

These electron microscopes are located in the Electron Microscope Centre, a transdisciplinary research facility housing 5 SEM and 5 TEM instruments for cutting edge research.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of the instruments
• Supervision and training of users
• Providing support in the interpretation of analytical results
• Collaborating with researchers across diverse Earth science disciplines

The selected candidate may be asked to provide hands-on educational processes that engage upper year and graduate students in real world applications of advanced electron microbeam analytical techniques to geological and hard materials problems in a classroom and/or laboratory environment. In addition, the willingness to contribute in maintaining and extending a network to ensure a stable user base is an advantage.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with expertise in electron microscopy applications for Earth sciences and a passion for supporting and advising scientific users. The ideal candidate has:

• A PhD in Earth sciences, (instrumental) analytical chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• In-depth knowledge of mineralogy
• Proven experience in TEM lamella preparation for complex geological materials
• Experience working at the intersection of scientific research and technical laboratory support
• Strong collaboration skills and a team-oriented mindset
• Good communication and organizational skills, enabling to manage a variety of research projects from different scientists

As the role is embedded in a dynamic, international research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, excellent communication skills in English are essential. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage. International candidates will be assisted in acquiring Dutch language skills within the first two years of their appointment.

We offer:

• A temporary position (1.0 fte) for one year. A permanent contract will be offered based on good performance, according to the faculty’s performance indicators, after one year.
• a working week of 36- 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit 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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and conducts research in close collaboration with scientists, students, PhD candidates, and postdocs. This includes a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work with various types of sample materials such as rocks, soils, sediments, vegetation, water, and air. Our work includes preparing samples and subsequent analysis using various (advanced) analytical techniques. To respond to changes in research, we develop our own new applications when necessary.

The Electron Microscopy Centre is a flagship research facility, aimed at enabling cutting edge transdisciplinary research at the technical limit of electron microscopy and associated electron-excited analytical techniques. Built around the philosophy of invaluable cross-fertilization between the specialized research fields of life science (Cryo-EM), materials science, and geosciences, the facility users benefit greatly from the broad expertise shared among staff and researchers. The Centre attracts a large number of national and international researchers, and provides access as part of the Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure NEMI, the National Roadmap EPOS-NL infrastructure, and the European EXCITE infrastructure.

For more information (not application) about this position, please contact Dr Katja Heister (Head of GeoLab) at k.heister@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.