Research Technician in Laser Spectroscopy Applied to Bioprocesses

As a Research Technician in Laser Spectroscopy Applied to Bioprocesses at TU Delft, you’ll help implement laser technology to facilitate bioprocess research, advancing sustainability and biotechnological innovation.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career and contribute to research that could shape the future of biotechnology. Biotechnology is at the forefront of advancing sustainability, and microbial fermentation holds immense potential in addressing global challenges in energy and the environment. One key area of focus is optimising bioprocesses for industrial applications. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is pioneering innovative techniques to accelerate these developments, particularly by integrating real-time laser spectroscopic monitoring to enhance bioreactor performance.

As a Research Technician in Laser Spectroscopy Applied to Bioprocesses, you will be an integral part of an exciting collaboration between TU Delft and the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). This partnership is focused on applying advanced off-gas laser spectroscopy to two major types of bioprocesses: microbial fermentation in suspension and biofilm-based microbial electrosynthesis. Your work as a laser technician will contribute to improving the understanding and optimisation of these processes, helping to make industrial biotechnology more efficient and sustainable.

You will work with cutting-edge technologies, and your day-to-day responsibilities will include maintenance and troubleshooting of laser systems, and supporting hardware integration. Additionally, you will support sensor automation with additional computational hardware and can be involved in data analysis. You’ll be part of an interdisciplinary team for 2.5 years, working closely with researchers, PhD candidates, postdocs and fellow technicians. This includes working together with bioprocess engineers at TU Delft and laser specialists at CU Boulder.

The research groups in which you will work focus on microbial physiology and the application of data-driven bioprocess development. In your role, you will bridge the field of laser spectroscopy and biotechnology, having a meaningful societal impact in an interdisciplinary context.

Job Requirements

You are an experienced lab technician who thrives in collaborative settings and enjoys creative problem-solving within cutting-edge research projects. With a strong technical background and a curious, proactive mindset, you will contribute to both the experimental and data-driven aspects of the project. You work well in a multicultural team and can share theoretical knowledge and technical know-how with team members at every level.

• A Higher Professional Education diploma (HBO or higher) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a similar discipline.
• Theoretical knowledge of laser spectroscopy.
• Experience maintaining and handling lasers (hardware and software).
• Knowledge of spectroscopy technologies, such as FT-IR or Raman, or a clear motivation to learn.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.
• Motivation to apply laser technology to biotechnology in an interdisciplinary context.
• A good command of English, as the work will be conducted in an international setting. Proficiency in Dutch would be an asset but is not required.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of Employment

• Duration of contract is 2.5 years (temporary).
• A salary based on scale 09 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3708 - €5057 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• Only candidates from EU countries or with a Dutch work permit can be considered for this vacancy (due to Dutch regulations).

For more information about this role, please contact Dr. Marcel Vieira-Lara, Assistant Professor, at M.A.VieiraLara@tudelft.nl.