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Technical expert Cleanroom - Microfabrication

Category:  Management & Professionals

1 - Working at the VUB

For almost 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and connectedness. These values are strongly present on our campuses, in our students as well as our staff. At the VUB, you’ll find a diverse collection of personalities: pure innovators and especially people who are 100% their authentic selves. With about 3.500 employees, we are the largest Flemish-speaking employer in Brussels, an international city with which we are all too happy to be connected, and around which our four campuses are located.

2 - Position Description

VUB opens a new cleanroom (MICROLAB) for microfabrication, in particular the plasma etching of silicon and glass for microfluidics. The cleanroom is in the latest phase of construction and operations are starting up.


MICROLAB covers 550 m², of which 300 m² will be equipped with the most advanced machines for every essential production step in microfabrication. Most machines and instruments are newly purchased and latest state-of-the-art.

As Technical Expert Microfabrication you will take responsibility for these machines and instruments with the main result areas:

  • Supervise installation of new machines and instruments until they are operational.
  • Take the necessary actions in a timely manner so that the advanced microfabrication machines and instruments are properly maintained.
  • Keep in touch with (potential) suppliers for maintenance of machines and to remain up-to-date of new developments for the the most important machines.
  • Development and optimization of etching processes and associated sub-processes (lithography, deposition, dry or wet cleaning, etc.).
  • Supervise researchers in the operation of the machines.
  • First line support in solving operational problems with machines and instruments.
  • Provide training for new users on plasma devices.
  • Execution of processes for academic and industrial clients.
  • Prepare and possibly attend technical meetings with internal or external customers.
  • Maintain order and quality in the cleanroom.

 

For this position, Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Ixelles) will be your home base.

 

Reporting
You will report to the Operational Manager and Scientific Director of MICROLAB. At the start, you will have one colleague who can support you technically. If the cleanroom grows, this team can/will be expanded.

3 - Profile

  • Degree of Master in Chemistry, Electronics, Electromechanics, Electricity, Master in Engineering or Industrial Engineering is required, or equivalent by experience.

  • You have expertise in microfabrication of silicon and/or glass (in cleanroom environment), in particular experience in plasma etching is an asset.

     

The following additional technical/functional knowledge is appreciated:

  • Knowledge of microfluidics is a plus.
  • Candidate must be adept at researching professional literature and patents.
  • Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is essential, knowledge of Dutch and/or other languages is a plus.
  • ICT: excellent knowledge of basic software packages Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, use of machine software are essential. Knowledge of Solidworks or similar CAD program, Matlab, Labview, PLC is a plus.

 

For this job we expect the following personality:

  • Eager to learn: urge to quickly acquire and maintain in-depth knowledge in a very specific field.
  • Sense of initiative and flexibility.
  • Strong in scientific analysis and reporting.
  • Working with high self-imposed standards for quality and accuracy.
  • Able to work both autonomously and in a team.
  • Strong in multi-tasking.
  • Hands-on mentality.
  • Willing to work occasional overtime to meet specific deadline.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague? You’ll be offered a permanent full-time contract at a salary linked to Grade 7 (min. 3689 EUR - max. 5690 EUR) , Grade 8 (min. 4184 EUR  - max. 6352 EUR) or Grade 9 (min. 4545 EUR  - max. 6714 EUR), depending on your competences and previous relevant work experience.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career. As well as this, you’ll enjoy various benefits:

  • Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike;
  • Cost-free hospitalisation and group insurance with guaranteed income;
  • The space to form your job content and continuously learn via VUB LRN;
  • Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;
  • Ecocheques;
  • Delicious meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurants;
  • An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract).  

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of? Apply before 01/03/2025. Send us your CV, letter of motivation and the highest degree you’ve attained (not applicable for VUB alumni).

 

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Prof. dr. ir. Wim De Malsche (02 629 37 81 or Wim.De.Malsche@vub.be).

 

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB?

Go to www.jobs.vub.be and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.  

6 - For office use

Contract: permanent

Head unit/faculty: Faculty of Engineering

FTE: fulltime

Function: Technisch expert

Pay grade group: 7-8-9

Recrutement type: hiring

DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS VACANCY?

You can contact the person mentioned in the job description.

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