Hydrogen Laboratory Safety and Operations Coordinator

Utrecht University's Hydrogen Laboratory is a research facility at the forefront of hydrogen-related projects in the Netherlands. Our focus on system-scale hydrogen production and utilisation drives innovative research aimed at addressing global energy challenges.

Your job

As a Laboratory Coordinator, you will play an important role in supporting research activities within the Hydrogen Laboratory. This position requires expertise in hydrogen safety protocols and fuel cell technology, strong organisational skills, and attention to details. You will assist in a range of experiments, including reversible electrolyser operations, dynamic ramp-up and ramp-down procedures, and electric and chemical analyses. Additionally, you will manage laboratory facilities, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and facilitate collaboration with stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

1. coordinating and supporting researchers, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and Master's students, in their laboratory activities;
2. ensuring regular checks of safety protocols and procedures and monitoring any changes in experimental setups or procedures;
3. assisting in reversible electrolyser experiments and dynamic operational procedures;
4. contributing to the conduction of electric and chemical analyses as part of research projects;
5. monitoring long-term experiments, including system performance and data recording, mainly focusing on IV curves, ramp-up and ramp-down procedures, and degradation rate measurements;
6. overseeing daily operations of the laboratory, ensuring facilities and instruments are well-maintained and ordered;
7. aiding in conducting risk assessments and preparing action response reports as needed;
8. updating laboratory equipment and chemical inventories as required.

Your qualities

You bring the following relevant qualifications:

• a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field;
• experience working with hydrogen safety protocols, hydrogen fuel cells, and electrolysers;
• strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively;
• the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic research environment;
• attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving;
• commitment to maintaining a safe working environment;
• preferred: possession of a hydrogen safety certificate.

Our offer

We offer:

• a job for 12 months - after a positive evaluation the position will be extended for a limited time;
• a working week of 20-24 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,739 and €3,771 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More information

For more information, please contact Professor Gert Jan Kramer at g.j.kramer@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 15 October 2024.