Jobs

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented electromechanical engineer to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The selected candidate will join the motivated international team of the Nelissen lab and will work alongside scientists to maintain hardware and software of phenotyping robots.

This role involves working closely with the other members of the team on different projects related to phenotyping. Therefore, we require a team player who also possesses the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will have a background in electromechanics, engineering and building and maintaining machines and automation, preferentially with experience in plant biology.

Job description

  • Maintenance of automated phenotyping systems, containing conveyer belts or gripper, pumps, camera systems
  • Daily monitoring of the different automated systems
  • Troubleshooting and resolve technical issues
  • Make the system as user-friendly as possible
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of system logs
  • Design and programming of the software
  • Communicate with scientists to facilitate the experimental setup and measurements
  • Discuss with purchasers
  • Follow-up, testing and start-up of projects
  • Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions
  • Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Help with general lab duties

Profile

Essential

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electromechanical engineering
  • Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
  • Experience in PLC programming
  • Knowledge of working in a lab 
  • Enthusiastic team player
  • Basic understanding of plant biology

Desirable but not required

  • Experience in plant biology and/or greenhouse management
  • Knowledgeable RGB, thermal and hyperspectral camera’s
  • Interest in image-based plant phenotyping

Key personal characteristics

  • You are enthusiastic and curious about scientific research
  • You like learning new techniques 
  • You are willing to participate in the general lab organization
  • You can work well in a team and independently
  • You are accurate and critical of your work and its implementation
  • You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions

We offer

  • The ability to work on scientifically exceptional and high impact research topics
  • Full-time appointment as a laboratory technician at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
  • A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as main language)
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure
  • A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
  • An immediately available job, starting date is negotiable
  • Various training opportunities to broaden your skills

How to apply?

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:

  • Please upload your full CV
  • Please upload a motivation letter
  • Please add the contact details of at least two references


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