Junior Researcher Biobased Applications

MNEXT is a Centre of Expertise and a collaboration between Avans University of Applied Sciences and HZ University of Applied Sciences. Seven research groups are part of MNEXT: Biobased Construction (both at HZ and Avans), Biobased Resources & Energy, Biobased Building Blocks & Products, Smart Energy, New energy carriers, Biobased Transitions and Marine Biobased Chemistry.

MNEXT forms the bridge between innovation and society together with companies by carrying out applied research with them. In this way, MNEXT provides excellently trained professionals who can support and shape the transition to a sustainable society.

In the research group Biobased Building Blocks & Products, we investigate the synthesis, processing and application of biobased polymers and high-grade additives materials made from biomass. By collecting knowledge about, for example, the insulating properties, modification and source of building blocks, we can develop materials with specific chemical and physical properties, such as easy degradability and recyclability.

In your role as a Junior Researcher, you will be responsible for:

• Active literature survey, keeping up to date with relevant articles/patents in the field
• Preparation of work protocols after discussion with the experts involved.
• Execution of laboratory work to the highest level of safety and quality standards. This includes, among others, extractions, chemical modifications, formulation development, compounding, characterization techniques such as HPLC, FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, or tensile testing.
• Accurate recording of test data and interpretation.
• Planning follow up experiments in consultation with experts.
• Preparation of presentations for meetings and reports.
• Provide help with the guidance of internship students.

You will work together with lecturers, researchers, other junior researchers and interns and you will be part of the Biobased Building Blocks & Products research group. You will do this in collaboration with industry partners. The research group is situated within the Center of Expertise MNEXT. By conducting practice-oriented research with students, teachers, researchers and outside stakeholders, we set the materials and energy transition in motion towards a more sustainable future.

At MNEXT there is a pleasant and friendly working atmosphere, where respect, humor and flexibility are central. We encourage everyone’s own input, creating a dynamic environment where we work together as a team towards a sustainable future.

An environment where you are given the freedom to discover and improve things; That’s how we get the best out of you. We continuously facilitate your development, which results in your contribution to our technical and content professionalization. We also offer:

• A monthly salary of at least € 3.370 to a maximum of € 5.019 gross for a full-time appointment (scale 10 collective labor agreement for higher professional education).
• An end-of-year bonus, which is approximately equal to a thirteenth month.
• A contract for 1 year. If you function well and we have sufficient room for staff, an extension is possible.
• A good work/life balance and pleasant workplaces.
• About 50 days off if you work full-time.

Avans’ vision on practice-oriented research appeals to you. You can put things into perspective, are stress-resistant and ‘fit’ in with the informal and professional atmosphere of Avans University of Applied Sciences. You are excellent at working both independently and as part of a team. Also, you have an analytical mindset; you approach problems or situations by breaking them down into smaller parts, examining them closely, and drawing logical conclusions. You are a critical thinker with the ability to think rationally and independently, evaluating information objectively and assessing its validity and significance. On top of this you have:

• A bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry/ Polymer Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Material Science.
• Basic knowledge about biobased polymers/additives.
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
• A proactive attitude; you don’t wait for issues to arise but rather take actions to prevent them or address them before they become significant.
• Ideally, previous laboratory experience.

Large, but small-scale. Involved. Personal. That is what Avans is. Here you can be yourself. Your unique ideas and insights are given plenty of space with Avans. This goes well with our learning and enterprising way of thinking. We offer flexible education and research in co-creation with the work field. And we continuously adapt to the world around us. Discover Avans as employer via these stories.

Do you see yourself in a position with Avans and would you like to contribute to further professionalize our research and (the link to) education? Then apply no later than 11^th December via the application button. Tell us in your motivation why you are looking forward to this challenge. If you have any questions about the content of the position, please contact Sandra Corderí Gándara, Project Leader at Biobased Building Blocks and Products via s.corderigandara@avans.nl / 088-5250336. We will give you an update on your application within 2 weeks after the closing of the vacancy.

Apply now