Research associate - Prototype development for volatile acid detection in food processing plants

  • Leuven, Vlaams Brabant
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 2 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionAs part of the Acid Alert valorization project at the Ameloot group KU Leuven, we are seeking a hands-on Electronics Engineer to lead proof-of-concept device development for vapor sensing. You'll be responsible for designing, implementing, and testing read-out electronics for our patented sensing technologies, translating lab concepts into robust, real-world prototypes.
This is a technology development role, not a PhD or postdoc position. You will be part scientific staff, focused on building and validating devices, not publishing papers. Expect a dynamic mix of hardware development, firmware/software programming, mechanical integration, and system validation. You will also engage with tech transfer activities, including industrial contacts, business plans, patenting, and regulatory pathways.
Your Responsibilities
  • Design and implement analog/digital electronic circuits for sensor read-out
  • Create schematics and PCB layouts (Altium, KiCAD, etc.), solder and assemble circuits
  • Test, validate, and troubleshoot electronics
  • Design and assemble harnesses, wiring, and physical enclosures for the electronics
  • Collaborate closely with chemists, material scientists, and technicians to integrate electronics with chemical systems
  • Document work in a structured and reproducible manner
  • Perform on-site testing with industrial partners
Essential:
  • Degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Familiar with board designing (schematics, PCB), assembling (soldering and stuffing) and troubleshooting of electronics
  • Familiar with embedded systems design, such as microcontrollers
  • Proficiency of C / Python / MATLAB for design/simulation/debugging environments
  • Team-oriented and proactive, with hands-on problem-solving skills
  • Fluency in English is non-negotiable
Desirable:
  • Experience in mechanical design (CAD tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc)
  • Familiarity with 3D printing, laser cutting, and other fabrication techniques
  • Bonus points if you consider yourself a maker
  • You are comfortable with shifting priorities and fast iteration
  • You are curious about chemistry and willing to learn the basics to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Prior experience with (industrial) customer interaction
What We Offer
  • A one-year contract that can be extended based on the project progress and positive evaluation
  • A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at one of Europe's top universities
  • Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and prototyping tools
  • A competitive salary in line with KU Leuven regulations
  • Opportunities to grow and develop new skills within a large multidisciplinary team and KU Leuven's training programs
  • Direct involvement in deep tech transfer within a research group with multiple active valorization projects.
  • A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100 000 inhabitants, situated close to Brussels (25 km) and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning, combined with the university's strong presence, international research centers, and industry, results in a safe town with a high quality of life, welcoming to non-Dutch speakers, and offering ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields is one of the ingredients making the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe (
). Further information can be found on the website of the university:Please submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please get in touch with Dr. Jorid Smets ( ) via email and mention "Research associate - Prototype development " in the subject line. Please do NOT send an email just to inform that you submitted your application.In your cover letter, describe projects where you had to rapidly prototype and troubleshoot a device or system. We value initiative, hands-on experience, and flexibility; show us how you have demonstrated these traits.Preferred starting date: as soon as possibleWhere to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Technology Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Technology » Electrical technology Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationBenefitsWhat We Offer
  • A one-year contract that can be extended based on the project progress and positive evaluation
  • A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at one of Europe's top universities
  • Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and prototyping tools
  • A competitive salary in line with KU Leuven regulations
  • Opportunities to grow and develop new skills within a large multidisciplinary team and KU Leuven's training programs
  • Direct involvement in deep tech transfer within a research group with multiple active valorization projects.
  • A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100 000 inhabitants, situated close to Brussels (25 km) and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning, combined with the university's strong presence, international research centers, and industry, results in a safe town with a high quality of life, welcoming to non-Dutch speakers, and offering ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields is one of the ingredients making the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe (
). Further information can be found on the website of the university:Eligibility criteriaEssential:
  • Degree in Electronics Engineering, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Familiar with board designing (schematics, PCB), assembling (soldering and stuffing) and troubleshooting of electronics
  • Familiar with embedded systems design, such as microcontrollers
  • Proficiency of C / Python / MATLAB for design/simulation/debugging environments
  • Team-oriented and proactive, with hands-on problem-solving skills
  • Fluency in English is non-negotiable
Desirable:
  • Experience in mechanical design (CAD tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc)
  • Familiarity with 3D printing, laser cutting, and other fabrication techniques
  • Bonus points if you consider yourself a maker
  • You are comfortable with shifting priorities and fast iteration
  • You are curious about chemistry and willing to learn the basics to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Prior experience with (industrial) customer interaction
Selection processPlease submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please get in touch with Dr. Jorid Smets ( ) via email and mention "Research associate - Prototype development " in the subject line. Please do NOT send an email just to inform that you submitted your application.In your cover letter, describe projects where you had to rapidly prototype and troubleshoot a device or system. We value initiative, hands-on experience, and flexibility; show us how you have demonstrated these traits.Preferred starting date: as soon as possibleWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU LEUVEN Country Belgium City Leuven GeofieldContact CityLeuvenSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

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