Lab Technician

at SOLiTHOR’s Centre of Excellence for solid-state rechargeable lithium battery technology.

Who we are

SOLiTHOR is a recently created high tech company which is utilising 10 years of research and the facilities of imec, the prestigious Belgian R&D institute in nanoelectronics and digital technologies.

Building on this unique and patented research, SOLiTHOR aims to develop and commercialise the next solid-state lithium batteries for the electromobility sector. Our mission is to scale up our solid-state battery technology and apply it to electric vehicles – in the air, on land and sea.

To strengthen our growing team of engineers and technologists, we are looking for a motivated and talented Laboratory Technician /Assistant.

Main responsibilities

• Supervise the lab equipment - ovens, fumehoods, vacuum pumps, glovebox, mixers to name but a few
• Oversee the commissioning and (preventive) maintenance of the lab equipment including basic troubleshooting and communicating with suppliers regarding spare parts and consumables
• Responsible for overseeing stock and for ordering consumables
• Assist the R&D team to conduct  experiments, design and follow experimental plans in a chemical lab, record process parameters and provide the R&D team with associated reports
• Support R&D activities by conducting routine characterisation of various samples e.g. viscosity of slurries and pastes, SEM imaging, thermo-gravimetric analysis
• Communicate effectively with the team

Personality

We are looking for an entrepreneurial individual who has a hands-on approach to work - a creative problem solver who is motivated and passionate about the profession and is keen to work in a start-up environment. The successful candidate will have a strong attention to detail, a safety-focused mindset, and the ability to work collaboratively with others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, electrochemistry, physics, biomedical lab technology or similar qualification
• Entry level position
• Hands-on experience of chemical lab equipment
• Previous experience of working on pilot or industrial equipment would be advantageous
• Capable of executing experimental plans in a chemical lab in accordance with  health and safety rules
• Good chemical and technical troubleshooting skills  
• Some experience in batteries assembly and testing would be advantageous
• Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch is useful

Other considerations

• Results-driven and able to deliver quality output within tight deadlines
• Able to thrive in a high-tech start-up environment where teamwork is key
• Strong analytical mind and the ability to troubleshoot chemical and technical issues
• Strong communication skills. A good level of English is mandatory given the multinational character of the start-up.
• Flexible and able to respond to rapidly changing (technological/technical) circumstances
• Based in Belgium or willing to relocate

The opportunity

We offer you the opportunity to develop the next generation solid-state lithium batteries in a challenging environment. In doing so, you will take on a crucial role within our talented, passionate and multicultural team. You will have the opportunity to help build a company that will have a major global social impact.

SOLiTHOR not only offers you access to top class equipment and laboratory facilities, but also a competitive salary package with the following benefits:

• Contract of indeterminate duration (40h/week, 12 additional holidays)
• Meal vouchers worth €8/working day
• Hospitalisation insurance
• Group insurance
• Home office compensation
• Stock options

Location

You will be based at Energyville in Genk, where you will be surrounded by like-minded, inspiring people. SOLiTHOR will move to our new premises in Sint-Truiden, in August 2023.