Research Technician

We are looking for a practical technician who feels at home in a mechanical workshop environment.

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    38 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 3,057 - € 4,484
  • Deadline
    15 Mar 2026

We offer a diverse job for a practical technician who feels at home in a mechanical workshop environment with new challenges nearly every week. You can be the go-to expert for developing and refining technical setups that enable our researchers to conduct novel fluid-dynamics experiments.

As a research technician you will aid our experimental scientific research in fluid mechanics by designing and constructing new technical setups. You have a background in mechanical engineering (werktuigbouwkunde) or similar, you are skilled in operating machines in a workshop (lathe / mill / laser cutter) and are skilled in assembly. Preferably, you have affinity with 3D CAD design (SolidWorks) and are willing to learn the many scientific setups in our labs that are fully designed in CAD. You will work in a team with two other research technicians and one research engineer, you are motivated to learn new techniques, and you are self-driven.

Your profile

  • You are fluent in English, and preferably also in Dutch.
  • You can machine metals and plastics using a lathe and a mill, and operate a variety of machines in a mechanical workshop.
  • You have affinity with or are skilled in 3D CAD design software (SolidWorks).
  • You are inventive in developing and improving technical experimental setups
  • You are inquisitive and curious, with an interest in new technologies.
  • You can work independently and take responsibility for tasks and equipment.
  • You are accurate in execution, with an eye for detail and safety.
  • You are pleasantly collaborative with international researchers and colleagues.

Our offer

  • We offer a fulltime position for one year, after which the position can become permanent, subject to a successful evaluation and if circumstances remain unchanged.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • Gross monthly salary between € 3.057,- and € 4.484,- fulltime (depending on experience and qualifications)
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
  • Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15-03-2026 and include your CV and motivation letter.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Gert-Wim Bruggert:  g.w.h.bruggert@utwente.nl

Screening can be part of the procedure.

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About the department

The Physics of Fluids department is studying a wide variety of flow phenomena, both fundamental and applied, and we combine experimental, theoretical, and numerical methods to solve problems in fluid dynamics.

The range of topics goes from nanobubbles to accretion disks, from granular flow to medical flow, and from wind turbines to microfluidic chips. The problems we study generally get their complexity from phase transitions (boiling, cavitation, melting, dissolution), from particulate additions (particles, bubbles, droplets), from chemical additions (surfactants, pH), from gradients (salinity, thermal, velocity), from boundary conditions (pinning, (de)wetting, superhydrophobicity), or material properties (elasticity, plasticity).

Complexity can also arise from very small scales or very high velocities, which can be solved by using the latest high-speed cameras, (confocal) microscopes, and high speed lasers, or by simulating the problems.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Bruggert, G.W. (Gert-Wim)
Supporting staff

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Gert-Wim for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the TNW Faculty

Curious about what the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) stands for? Check out the Science and Technology website for more information.

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