Technologist Bio Based Polyester Development

Avantium is one of the pioneers in the area of developing sustainable technologies for a fossil-free future. We are looking for a Technologist in our Novel Polyesters Team. The team focuses on developing processes for producing polyesters from biomass and CO₂ based monomers. The team is part of the Corporate Technology Business Unit, where several new technologies are being developed and piloted. The team also works in close collaboration with the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry Group of the Van ‘t Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences (HIMS).

What will you do? 

The Technologist is a key player in the execution of projects regarding R&D and upscaling. You are responsible for planning and execution of experiments to reliably answer research questions.

Together with Project leader and/ or (Sr.) Scientists you are closely involved in continuously improving experimental methods and equipment as well as reviewing and analyzing project data to decide, together with the team, on next steps of the research. 

The work is very much focused on hands-on lab work and problem solving, including equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Mechanical and physical characterization of the polymers produced will also be part of your tasks.

You will be also performing general laboratory supporting tasks and will be responsible of adhering to Avantium safety regulations and policies.

Responsibilities:

• Design experiments together with Project leader /(Sr.) Scientists.
• Set up and perform experiments in glassware and autoclave (2 L).
• Active involvement in construction, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, as well as providing equipment training to colleagues.
• Discuss results with Project leader /  (Sr.) Scientists.
• Provide input for periodic reports and contribute to knowledge management.
• Development and execution of new experimental procedures under safety regulations.
• Perform safety assessments.
• Proactive communication with team colleagues on planning, timelines and reporting.

What do you bring? 

As a Technologist you have excellent laboratory skills and you enjoy working in the lab. You have good analytical skills, you are result-oriented and take initiative.

You also have:

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related area
• Experience and affinity with polymer and/or organic chemistry
• Ability to communicate information clearly in spoken and written English
• Team player  with good interpersonal skills that is comfortable with receiving feedback
• Affinity with steel reactor equipment or the desire to learn this
• Practical, flexible mindset, result-oriented mentality with initiative and a desire to be challenged
• Strong R&D mindset

What do we offer?
At Avantium you can make a difference, proving together that the sky is the limit. Being a small organization we encourage people to look beyond the obvious to reach our targets. Career opportunities come as a result of personal drive and ambition and are rewarded through a competitive compensation package, flexibility and personal development in a company operating worldwide with 35 different nationalities. This role is mostly based at our Amsterdam Science Park location. 

Does this sound like you?
Let us know by applying through our website. If you have any questions you can send a message to [email protected].