Technician on Vacuum and Physical Vapor Deposition Technologies

Do you enjoy working with advanced vacuum and PVD systems? Would you like to develop cutting-edge thin-film methods and automation for next-generation solar energy materials? Join us to take thin-film PV technology to the next level in a vibrant academic environment.

Information
The Molecular Materials and Nanosystems (M2N) group, specializing in unconventional semiconductors and devices, is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented laboratory technician with expertise in vacuum systems and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) for advanced materials research, particularly in thin-film photovoltaics.

The ideal candidate is skilled in designing, operating, maintaining, and optimizing thin-film deposition equipment used in academic research settings. Industrial experience and proficiency in software for automation and system control (e.g., Python, LabView) are highly valued.

As a technician you work closely with principal investigators, researchers, PhD, and master’s students, fostering a collaborative and innovative laboratory environment. Strong team spirit, communication skills, and openness to idea exchange are essential, as the role contributes directly to advancing thin-film methods and automation processes for solar cell materials development.

The activities of the research group are organized around two core lines: Materials Discovery, Design, and Synthesis, and Device Physics and Performance. The successful candidate will support and complement a diverse research team to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratory, promotes a collaborative atmosphere, and contributes to state-of-the-art developments in vacuum technologies for thin-film materials in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. In addition to technical excellence, you will ensure and promote best laboratory safety practices and actively participate in the dynamic, interdisciplinary environment of the M2N group.

Key responsibilities include:

• Vacuum systems operation and maintenance, including troubleshooting of vacuum pumps (rotary vane, turbomolecular, cryogenic) and pressure gauges (Pirani, Penning, capacitance).
• Leak detection and implementation of vacuum safety procedures and user training for research staff and students.
• Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes, including DC/RF magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition (PLD), thermal, and e-beam evaporation systems.
• System maintenance and development, support for system upgrades, e.g., new sources, shutters, gas lines, or automation features.
• Collaboration with researchers to develop new deposition recipes or integrate advanced process control (e.g., in-situ measurements).
• System design, including use of software like SolidWorks, LabView, PLC interfaces, or custom software for process automation. Expertise with tools, such as quartz crystal monitors, mass flow controllers, RGA (residual gas analyzers) is considered an additional advantage.

• Technical diploma (HBO) or bachelor’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a university or research institute environment with vacuum thin film deposition systems and their respective software. Experience in designing deposition systems is a plus.
• Proactive in problem-solving, maintenance scheduling, and process improvement.
• Effective communicator and team player, comfortable collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Meticulous and reliable, with strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Proactive in problem-solving, maintenance scheduling, and process improvement.
• Enthusiastic about supporting academic research and training the next generation of experimental scientists.
• Proficiency in English.

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum €3.382,- to maximum €5.057,- for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 8 or scale 9 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: Prof. Monica Morales-Masis, m.morales.masis@tue.nl.

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact Marloes Thoolen (HR Advisor), m.thoolen@tue.nl or +31 40 247 3931.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.