Permanent contract | Belval

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/

Context:

You will join the Functional Polymeric and Particulate Materials (FPPM) RDI unit. The FPPM unit addresses the synthesis, formulation and processing of polymers and (nano)particles to achieve specific properties enhancements and multi-functionality through both experimental and numerical approaches. Materials classes of interest include components (monomers, polymers, additives, (nano)particles, etc.) utilized in high-performance polymeric materials with relevance in the mobility, housing, energy and health sectors. The unit pursues funding and carries out research through industrial contracts and competitive projects sponsored at the Luxembourgish and European levels and is organised into two research groups focused on 1) the realisation of sustainable polymeric and particulate materials (SPPM) and 2) the chemistry and physics of smart / responsive polymeric and particulate materials (RPPM).

The key research challenges of the unit are:

·         Design of polymeric materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and (nano)composites with advanced functionality, high performance, enhanced safety and sustainability in mind, in service of industrial and societal needs

·         Valorisation of alternative feedstocks (biomass, waste materials, etc.) for the generation of monomers, polymers, additives and (nano)particles

·         Development of novel, safe (re)processing and advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, 3D/4D printing and reactive extrusion, for efficiently producing new materials and managing end-of-life

·         Generation of the fundamental understanding essential to the control of structure, viscoelastic, mechanical and tribological performance and transport behaviour of polymeric materials and (nano)composites through polymer physics, advanced characterisation and molecular modelling

How will you contribute?

As lead R&T technician you are a recognized specialist in your work area. You possess in-depth practical/technical knowledge of your specific discipline and of other related areas/disciplines. You have analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with various teams within the organization. You will be responsible for leading daily operations and may overview the work of other colleagues in your field of expertise. You train, delegate, and review the work of lower-level R&T technicians. You make analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information to report on your job activity. You influence others to understand, accept and implement new concepts, practises and approaches related to your area of work. 

Among other responsibilities, you will:

·         Be responsible for leading the daily operations within the team or area of work.

·         Identify and solve day-to-day problems. Solutions are based on procedures and technical knowledge of your area of responsibility.

·         Strongly contribute to keep productivity and effectiveness of area of work.

·         Review the work of lower-level employees and may have supervision responsibilities over other employees without hierarchical link.

·         Have demonstrated advanced technical/practical knowledge within their specific discipline.

·         Have a sound understanding and experience of broader set of issues to solve problems and issues faced.

·         Conduct non-routine operational lab/platform missions or tasks with autonomy and limited oversight, including activities out of your specific field of work requiring relevant knowledge of other related areas.

·         Demonstrate the ability to adapt to new situations within the specified area/field.

·         Monitor and perform the maintenance of lab/platform tools, equipment, and installations.

·         Strongly contribute to the definition and update of manuals, experiment sheets or reports to improve the quality and to comply with legal requirements and internal guidelines. 

·         Propose, coordinate, and evaluate changes on equipment, methods, or processes.

·         Have a sound understanding and experience of broader set of issues to solve problems and issues faced.

·         Propose and coordinate changes in processes to solve problems or improve efficiency.

·         Can have supervision responsibility over other employees without hierarchical link.

·         Respect and apply LIST-HSE rules. Alert of potential dangers or risks. Take care of your own safety and that of others.

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

Education

·         Bachelor in polymer engineering, chemical engineering, materials science or in a related field

Experience and skills

·         Solid technical or vocational education and demonstrated work experience in polymeric materials characterization methods, equipment and tools is required, more specifically:

o   Basic polymer and filler characterization methods

o   Thermal analysis methods

o   Spectroscopy such as IR, NMR etc

o   Rheology, DMA and (thermo-)mechanical testing

·         Advanced knowledge of other areas related to their work.

·         Excellent time management and task prioritization skills.

·         Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail.

·         Strong communication and relation skills, both orally and in writing.

To access this job, you should have demonstrated the ability to:

·         Handle your workload independently and under limited oversight.

·         Successfully plan work and establish priorities for yourself and for others.

·         Effectively coordinate the work of other colleagues without hierarchical link

·         Skilfully communicate with and relate to internal/external stakeholders of all levels, including senior leadership, with ease.

·         Take a strong customer service approach.

·         Be effective in an international context

Language skills

·         Good level of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French and/or German is considered as 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 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.