Research Engineer - Energy Conversion

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen; Groningen; On-site; EUR 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

8% holiday allowance

Development opportunities

Fixed-term 0.8–1.0 FTE for 1 year

Job summary

University of Groningen is seeking an enthusiastic Research Engineer for the Energy Conversion group. You will help set up, test and commission experimental setups, maintain and upgrade equipment, and work on lab-scale to pilot facilities in a dynamic, multicultural team.

You bring an engineering degree, hands-on problem-solving skills, and strong communication in English. Dutch is a plus, with a collaborative, international research environment and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/HBO+ in Chemical, Mechanical or Process Engineering or related field.
• Hands-on mindset with strong analytical problem-solving ability.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel/Word or equivalents.

Responsibilities

• Set up and commission experimental setups and test facilities.
• Assemble and install pressure, flow control, instrumentation, and data systems.
• Test, validate, measure and analyze results from experiments.
• Define functional and technical requirements for research activities.
• Troubleshoot and optimize test equipment and setups.
• Document technical specs, safety notes and operation procedures.
• Support evaluations and advise on instrumentation within the group.

Skills

Engineering degree

Analytical mindset

Excel proficiency

English (C1)

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree or HBO/HBO+

Tools

CAD software

FEM/FEA software

Job description

At the University of Groningen, we are leading innovative research in the field of energy systems, with a focus on hydrogen technologies, including electrolyser systems, fuel cells and balance-of-plant equipment. Our team works on projects ranging from small laboratory-based experiments to large-scale pilot facilities, contributing to the energy transition and the development of new cutting-edge technologies. We are looking for a motivated and technically skilled Research Engineer with a strong relevant engineering background to join our team.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

As a research engineer in the research group Energy Conversion you will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers to successfully carry out research projects.

Your primary focus will be to support the setup, testing and commissioning of experimental setups as well as the continued maintenance and upgrading of the equipment. The experimental setups may range from smaller laboratory setups to larger pilot-scale testing facilities.

You will be working in dynamic, diverse and multicultural team that is enthusiastic about enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of future energy systems.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Preparation of activities related to setting up and commissioning of experimental setups.
• Assembly and installation of pressure and flow control equipment, process instrumentation and data acquisition & control equipment.
• Testing and validation of setups, performing measurements and analysis of results.
• Advising and working out of functional and technical requirements to fulfill experimental research activities.
• Troubleshooting and solving problems with research equipment / setups.
• Maintaining and optimizing test setups, including calibration of instruments.
• Documentation of technical, safety and operational specifications of test setups.
• Active participation in research evaluations within the department and advise on equipment/instrumentation.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Who are you?

You are an enthusiastic and experienced problem-solver with a relevant engineering degree who is committed to the advancement of future energy technologies and systems with practical technical expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (HBO/HBO+) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering or other relevant field in engineering.
• Practical, hands-on mentality paired with an analytical mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel/Word or other (open source) alternatives.
• Professional English language skills (both oral and written, C1); Dutch is advantageous.
• Team player with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

It is preferable if you have:

• Experience with any CAD-software packages and/or FEM/FEA software.
• Experience with technical gas systems, process instrumentation and related equipment.
• Knowledge of electrochemical systems.

If you recognize yourself in this role but do not yet meet all the requirements completely, do not let that hold you back from applying. We are happy to discuss your experience and explore opportunities for growth within the role together.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.873up to a maximum of € 5.264 (salary scale 09)gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Fixed-term position of 0.8 to 1.0 FTE for 1 year, with possibility of extension until the remaining months of the project.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), you work at a broad top-class university that covers all fields of academia and technology. Support staff members offer a vital contribution to the effort made by lecturers and researchers toward the development of talent and a better, sustainable society. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

As part of this regional project, you will collaborate with a wide range of partners and colleagues, including regional energy companies, vocational and higher professional education institutions, postdoctoral researchers, and project coordinators. You will also be part of the Energy Conversion group, which consists of approximately 15 researchers and lecturers. The Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG) comprises around 120 researchers and staff, creating a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. In short, you will work in an environment where education, research, and the practice of energy and sustainability come together, offering ample opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?

Education and Research Technician- O profile

Questions about your application process?

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy .

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.

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