Lecturer-researcher Sustainable Energy

Lecturer-Researcher Sustainable Energy

Are you a curious researcher, driven to accelerate the development of energy transition products? Are you extra motivated to collaborate with innovative partners in the regio to bridge gaps? Do you enjoy translating knowledge to the next generation of technicians? Zuyd University of Applied Sciences is looking for an ambitious and passionate researcher and lecturer who is driven to boost the knowledge and expertise on sustainable energy technologies.

As a lecturer and researcher, you will be involved in research projects related to solar energy, smart windows and energy storage. The research will be mainly carried out by students from the Engineering academy with a focus on applied research. As a lecturer and researcher, you are responsible for coaching students during their research projects to obtain maximal progress, results and learning curve. You will be responsible for research related to circular photovoltaics, containing accelerated lifetime testing of innovations in solar energy products, outdoor monitoring, and improving (outdoor) lab infrastructure for the validation of sustainable energy products. With a strong focus on solar energy, you are able to translate knowledge and experience into other technical topics within the energy transition scope and you are eager to collaborate in order to make an impact.

Why work at Zuyd

Working at Zuyd lets you contribute to an ambitious university of applied sciences with strong regional roots and a clear vision for the future. With over 14,000 students and 30 professorships, we build education and research that matters every day. We believe in everyone's unique talents. It starts with you – and we will do it together. At Zuyd, you will find small-scale and personal education, an open culture and a shared passion for development. There is a reason we were named the best large university of applied sciences in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids (choice guide) 2026. Here, you will have the space to grow and have an impact – on students, the professional field and the region.

Research and Education at Zuyd University

The research will be performed in a multidisciplinary group of lecturers, researchers and students working on sustainable energy transition innovations. The research group called “Sustainable Energy”, led by lector Zeger Vroon, aims to accelerate the market introduction of innovations in sustainable energy technologies by validation and demonstration experiments. Technologies that are central in the research group are (i) circular photovoltaics, (ii) smart windows, and (iii) energy storage technologies. The research takes place both at Zuyd University in Heerlen and at the research facilities at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen. At the latter location, the research group has an outdoor test facility for the demonstration and monitoring of energy transition products under the Dutch climate. The research group is part of the Engineering Academy, which aims to educate young professionals in mechanical and electrical engineering with a focus on renewability and circularity. Besides hard skills, the development of soft skills is essential when working in a fast-developing technological market. The bachelor Engineers of Zuyd University are curious to technological developments, keen to develop the technologies of the future and are able to contribute to large social problems by means of their skills and knowledge,

Expectations

We expect that the candidate:

• holds a PhD degree in (Electrical) Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or related fields;

• has a strong interest in renewable energy and circularity;

• preferably has experience in coaching or teaching students;

• has a strong experience in carrying out research projects;

• preferably has experience in scientific writing/reporting;

• is results-driven, creative, integer, venturous, works with ownership;

• is a motivated team-player, eager to achieve great impact by working together, among colleagues as well as among industrial partners;

• translates knowledge, experience and skills to the next generation of technicians with lots of enthusiasm;

• is motivated to contribute to new research proposals;

• masters scientific English in speaking, reading and writing.

What we offer

• This is a vacancy for at least 0,8 FTE. We want to start with a two-year contract;

• The salary is up to scale 11 (as laid down in the Collective Agreement for Universities of Applied Sciences, CAO-HBO). This means a minimum amount of €4.427,64 and a maximum amount of €6.677,44 gross per month based on full-time employment;

• Holiday allowance of 8% and end-of-year bonus of 8.3%;

• Plenty of holidays and the possibility of hybrid working;

• Professionalisation and sustainable career deployment hours and a comprehensive vitality offer;

• When an internal candidate applies for this position, their current salary will be taken into account.

The candidate will benefit from a versatile work environment through collaboration with multiple partners, as well as access to research facilities at Zuyd University in Heerlen and at Brightlands Chemelot Campus. The candidate will also have open access to Zuyd University’s personal development tools, along with opportunities to build and expand yourr network in the fields of material science, solar research, and circularity. In addition, the position offers possibilities for personal development, for example in areas such as acquisition.

Applying

Interested? Just respond via the apply button.

Deadline: 31st of March.
Questions? Contact Fallon Colberts (senior researcher and lecturer at the Engineering Academy) at fallon.colberts@zuyd.nl or +31 6 48374697, Zeger Vroon (lector of the research group Sustainable Energy at the Engineering Academy) at zeger.vroon@zuyd.nl or Harald Theunissen (head of program Engineering Academy) at harald.theunissen@zuyd.nl.  

Acquisition based on this vacancy is not appreciated.

Zuyd University of Applied Sciences – It starts with you