Technician SEM and FIB-SEM

31 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Geosciences » Geology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Country

Netherlands

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

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.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/358151/technician-sem-and-fib-sem/appl…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

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.

Additional Information
Benefits

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 .

Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
You can only apply via our online procedure using the 'apply now' button. E-mail applications cannot be accepted. Include the following information in your application:

• A letter of motivation
• Your curriculum vitae
• (E-mail) contact addresses of at least two referees

Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the International Service Desk (ISD) of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal .
The application deadline is February 28, 2026.

Additional comments

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.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/358151/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CB

Street

Princetonlaan 8

Geofield

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED

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