SD-26065 -POST-DOC IN METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR HIGH RESOLUTION CHARACTERIZATION OF NOVEL SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN MATERIALS

Fixed term contract | Belvaux | up to 12 Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

Describe the main responsibilities of the position.

The position is placed in the highly interdisciplinary Advanced Instrumentation for Nano-Analytics group at LIST’s Scientific Instrumentation and Process Technology unit. During the past ten years, we have been developing Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) add-on systems for focused ion beam (FIB)-based high resolution imaging workstations including FIB-SEM and helium ion microscopes. These platforms allow each a unique of its kind combination of detection modalities for combined ultrastructural imaging and high sensitivity chemical nano-analytics. You will have the opportunity to make use of that instrumentation in order to progress its application in the boundary region where material, environmental and life sciences meet. The position is part of an EU funded project developing a “SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHEMICALS AND MATERIALS”. The project comprises the development of novel materials in the field of automotive, textiles and cosmetics that will be characterized in view of their physicochemical, nanotoxicological properties and safety aspects.

You will be mainly in charge of:

Method development and physicochemical characterization of these materials using our in house developed prototype instrumentation based on focused ion beam microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry (FIB-SIMS), as well as publication and dissemination of project results with relevance to life science applications.

Typical tasks:

Preparation of materials (mainly provided by partners) for in vacuum analysis

Development and refinement of ion-beam induced secondary electron imaging, transmitted ion beam imaging and secondary ion mass spectrometry for room temperature analysis and analysis under cold conditions

Close collaboration with project partners working on materials development, physico-chemical characterization, toxicology, safety and sustainability assessment etc.

Contribution to dissemination, valorization and transfer of RDI results (patents, licenses, prototypes, publications, technical reports, participation in conferences)

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

PhD in natural sciences, material sciences, biotechnology, nanotoxicology or comparable

Experience and skills

Proven hands-on experience (>3 years) in electron/ion microscopy preparation and analysis tools for the physico-chemical characterization of materials and/or biological specimen (e.g. spin-coating, chemical fixation and resin embedding, FIB milling, cryo preparation)

Experience in developing and using correlative workflows, data processing and data visualisation, including methodologies and algorithms for image fusion and co-registration

Experience in writing, first authoring of publications and reports

Interest in setting-up new academic and industrial collaborations

Interest, patience and endurance in working with prototype instrumentation

Excellent communication, flexibility, organizational and interpersonal skills with team-oriented mind-set

The following skills are not mandatory but an asset

Basic knowledge in cryo workflows, helium ion microscopy, chemical imaging techniques

Engineering experience and interest to contribute to hands-on prototyping

Advanced programming skills for data treatment (e.g. MATLAB, Python)

Prior work related to toxicology, safe and sustainable by design (SsbD)

Prior experience in the preparation of nanofibers, textiles, cosmetics and/or cell and tissue models (skin, lung,..)

Language skills

•      Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge in at least one of the official languages of Luxembourg (French, German or Luxembourgish) is an asset.

Your LIST benefits

·        An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·        Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·        Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·        An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·        Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·        Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·        Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·        Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·        32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·        Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

·        A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·        A scientific CV with contact details

·        List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

·        Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.