Key Skills

Job Description

Introduction Do you have affinity with physics, scientific research and technology? Are you interested in the semiconductor and related industries? And in energy technologies such as solar cells and batteries? Do you enjoy working with passionate professionals? Are you interested in guiding researchers through the increasingly complex funding landscape? Do you like to build multidisciplinary consortia between researchers and high-tech industry? Do you like to think strategically and empower researchers to realize their research visions? If so, we would like to meet you and explore a possible fit. Job Description The Project Development Officer is occupied with all kinds of activities related to proposal development and project management, from acquisition through to the post-award phase. As a project development officer, you support researchers in developing their research ideas into competitive project proposals, reviewing the details of funding calls to determine requirements and eligibility, and coordinating (inter-)national consortia. Once projects are awarded, you play an active role in the post-award phase — arranging legal and contractual documentation, organizing project meetings, and managing project reporting. You will be embedded in the Plasma & Materials Processing research group, which works on nanofabrication technologies for applications in Future Chips and Future Energy. In this role, you work closely with Financial, Legal, and HR colleagues, as well as with project officers and researchers from other departments as part of TU/e's Centers, Institutes, Strategic Areas, and the Research Support Network. Education You will be spending part of your time supporting an interdepartmental center and working within the existent Project Office within the Applied Physics and Science Education department. Resulting in a lot of room, freedom and opportunities to fill in and shape your role. And also with space for personal development and growth. Your daily activities consist of: Proactively supporting researchers in the acquisition of research projects, including reviewing the details of relevant funding calls to clarify requirements and eligibility; Matching opportunities to the expertise and research interests of researchers in the department by communicating current and future developments in both the national and European funding landscape; Helping build consortia, by enriching researchers' networks with internal or external collaborators to complete the value chain; Supporting proposal writing and applying persuasive writing to maximize proposal chances, while keeping an eye on overall proposal quality; Supporting the administrative side of project development and management, including navigating grant rules and setting up budgets (together with TU/e's finance advisors); Once projects are awarded, taking an active role in the post-award phase: supporting contract negotiations (together with TU/e's legal counsel), arranging legal and project-related documentation, organizing project meetings, and handling project reporting. The Plasma & Materials Processing research group The position will be embedded in the Plasma & Materials Processing group, one of the largest research groups in the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education. The group comprises approximately 25 PhD candidates and 10 postdoctoral researchers and is led by six full-time principal investigators. Its expertise centers on nanofabrication technologies, particularly plasma-based processes. The group is internationally recognized for its work on atomic-scale processing methods such as atomic layer deposition and etching. Research is driven by applications in Future Chips (semiconductors, photonics, and quantum technologies) and Future Energy (photovoltaics, batteries, and green hydrogen), supported by strong collaborations with industry. Job Requirements An education in physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related engineering field (at least MSc, but preferably PhD level), with prior research experience — ideally with a proven background or strong affinity for nanotechnology, given the group's research focus. Experienced or interested in grant writing; Excellent communication skills in English (both oral and written), with the ability to genuinely listen to and understand the needs of every partner involved — researchers, collaborators, and support staff alike; A goal-oriented, proactive and hands-on attitude, not afraid of working under deadline pressure; An eye for detail; Interested in leading and coordinating teams or consortia applying for funding opportunities; Curiosity about developments in physics, technology and the funding landscape. If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile. Conditions of Employment An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We Also Offer You Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 12, ranging from €5,932 to €7,573 gross base salary per month (full-time), depending on your knowledge and experience. In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary. Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time. As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%. A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical. A selection model for additional fringe benefits. Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance. Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate. We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training. Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching. Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet. On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e! About Us We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community. Discover what Light Up means to TU/e in our short company video. Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here. The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales. Information Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: prof.dr.ir. E. Kessels, Chair of the Plasma & materials Processing group, [email protected] or dr. Lucia Bossoni, Project Development Officer and Policy Advisor, [email protected]. Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Miriam Schings, HR advisor, [email protected]. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. Application If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications. Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable. We look forward to receiving your application! Please note You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team ([email protected]) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Core Responsibilities

Support researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, building multidisciplinary consortia, and coordinating budgets and proposal administration. After awards, support contract negotiations and documentation, organize project meetings, and manage project reporting.

Requirements

A degree in physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, or a related engineering field is required at least at MSc level, with a PhD preferred; prior research experience and affinity with nanotechnology are desirable. Candidates should have experience or interest in grant writing, excellent English communication, a proactive and goal-oriented approach, attention to detail, and an interest in coordinating funding teams or consortia.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• Year-End Bonus
• Paid Leave
• Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours
• Additional Leave Or Sabbatical Options
• Sports Center Access
• Mental Health Support
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Partially Paid Parental Leave
• Commuting Expense Reimbursement
• Work-From-Home Expense Reimbursement
• Internet Expense Reimbursement