Université libre de Bruxelles; Laboratoire G-Time

Homepage: https://gtime.ulb.be/

Position: Research support engineer/logisticien de recherche (75% FTE, 3 years)

Laboratoire G-Time - GEOSCIENCES Platform
DGES - Faculty of Sciences - Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium

Position Overview

The Laboratoire G-Time (Geochemistry and Geophysics: Tephra, Isotopes, Minerals and Earthquakes) at ULB is seeking a Research Support Engineer (75% FTE for 3 years) to reinforce its analytical and technical research activities.

The position is embedded within the GEOSCIENCES platform, an analytical facility supporting research in isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, volcanology, environmental sciences, and geophysics. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the continuity, development, and long-term sustainability of advanced analytical instrumentation, in mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and geophysical data management.

The working language is English (primary), with French as an additional working language.

Main Responsibilities

1. Mass Spectrometry

- Develop and optimize analytical methods for isotopic measurements on a next-generation CC-MC-ICP-MS

- Contribute to method development involving advanced approaches (e.g., gas mixing, interference reduction, high-precision isotope measurements)

- Perform high-quality isotopic analyses for research and service projects

- Train and support users (PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists)

- Contribute to maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of a fleet of five mass spectrometers (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, TIMS, MC-ICP-MS)

- Manage consumables and liaise with manufacturers and service engineers

2. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

- Perform high-quality mineralogical & chemical analyses with SEM-EDS for research and service projects

- Assist with sample preparation and analytical workflows

- Provide user training and technical support

- Contribute to routine maintenance and troubleshooting

- Support instrument operation and logistics

3. Geophysical Instrumentation

- Maintenance of instruments (geophones, hydrophones, fibre interrogators, fiber optic cables), including battery charging, data retrieval following field deployments, and updating usage tracking files (Excel-based inventory)

- Participation in geophysical deployments, including (co-)designing and preparation of the experiment setup, initiation of data acquisition, on-site data retrieval, data archiving, and updating monitoring and tracking records

- Archiving and managing large volumes of geophysical data

- Participate in training and support of users (PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists)

Additional Responsibilities

- Support the operation of clean lab and sample preparation facilities

- Contribute to the daily functioning of the GEOSCIENCES platform

- Assist users from ULB and external institutions

- Participate in a collaborative and evolving technical environment

Profile

- Master’s degree (minimum) in Geology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field

- Strong interest in analytical instrumentation and method development

- Demonstrated experience in mass spectrometry (and particularly MC-ICP-MS) and clean lab procedures is required

- Experience with scanning electron microscopy is required

- Experience with data management and field instrumentation procedures is an asset

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills

- Good communication skills in English (required); knowledge of French is an asset

Working Environment

The Laboratoire G-Time hosts advanced facilities including:

- One ICP-MS, one ICP-OES, two MC-ICP-MS, and one TIMS instruments

- A SEM-EDS

- Class 100 and 1000 clean rooms

- A growing suite of geophysical instrumentations

The laboratory is part of a dynamic research environment involving faculty members, technical staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students.

Contract

- 75% FTE (3/4 time)

- Fixed-term contract: 3 years

- Starting date: to be defined but before end of 2026

Eligibility

Candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium. Employment will be subject to compliance with applicable Belgian labour and immigration regulations. ULB is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.

Application

Candidates should submit their application before the 1^st of June 2026 to the email address: geosciences@ulb.be, including:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Contact details of at least two referees