VITO, one of Europe's leading research centres with 1,300 employees, turns scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI based solutions, and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help the world thrive for at least a 1,000 more years.
As a science-to-technology partner, we support companies, governments, and society in their sustainability transition. With our multidisciplinary approach and unique lab, scale-up, and testing infrastructure, we create practical technological innovations. We accelerate progress towards a regenerative economy within the planetary boundaries (prioritising electrification and circularity), smart climate solutions for resilient and secure ecosystems, and a healthy living environment harmonising humans, industry, agriculture, and nature.
Our staff collaborate in multidisciplinary expert teams across more than 40 research domains, utilising our unique laboratory and data infrastructure, as well as our extensive network of innovation partners. Through positive transition thinking and comprehensive techno-economic analysis, we develop solutions that are effective not only on paper but also in the complex realities of everyday life.
To support and strengthen our growth, we are looking for a Lab Technician.
Some of your tasks:
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You will contribute to the transition to a circular economy by developing innovative solutions to recover metals and minerals from residual flows and waste materials.
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As a lab technician, you will be part of the Waste and Recycling Technologies (ART) team, which develops innovative processes for upgrading various waste streams into new raw materials and products. For example: recycling of batteries, characterisation of electronic waste, development of new cement substitutes, development of new binders (e.g. based on mineralisation of CO2).
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In projects for the recycling and materials industry, you are responsible for conducting experiments in our laboratories and pilot facilities, with a strong focus on the treatment and valorization of metals and minerals. You apply a broad range of laboratory techniques, including sample preparation (grinding, sieving, etc.), raw material characterization (PSD, XRF, TC, etc.), physical separation tests (flotation, magnetic separation, etc.), mineral activation and product development (thermal activation, mortar/concrete mixing and testing), and chemical extraction and reaction processes (hydrothermal reactions, leaching tests, etc.).
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In addition, you support the operation of our pilot installations aimed at scaling up our technologies, working closely with industrial clients.
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You will work on behalf of the researchers and in close collaboration with your fellow lab technicians.
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You monitor environmental, safety and quality requirements and are able to translate technical assignments into QSE procedures.
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You hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a Bachelor degree in Electromechanics with a good notion of chemistry
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You have a good technical background, experience in a laboratory and research environment are pluses.
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You are motivated to accurately set up set-ups and processes and you like variation and you work result- and solution-oriented.
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You are hands-on and, in addition, working in a lab environment appeals to you.
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You are a team player who can easily work independently.
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You have strong oral and written communication skills in English and Dutch.
Offer
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An attractive salary package with extra-legal benefits such as internet, insurance and a flexible holiday package (legal leave + extra compensation days for a 40-hour week)
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A team of motivated colleagues, experts in their field, who will guide and support you where necessary and help you build up your own expertise
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Interesting research projects in which you will collaborate with partners from industry and academia on tomorrow's innovative solutions
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Creativity, teamwork and a strong focus on innovation are our trump cards! It therefore goes without saying that we offer our employees the opportunity to follow additional training courses to stay up-to-date in their field of expertise and further personal development.
