Device Engineer – Nanomaterials Integration for Greenhouses

Seaborough is a nanoscience and nanotechnology company focused on the untapped potential of luminescent nanomaterials. We turn bold scientific ideas into breakthrough applications through R&D, commercialization, and licensing, moving from nanoscale chemistry to product-ready materials in a tight loop with our industry and academic partners.

Seaborough has a diverse team and operates with a startup mentality, where we value creativity, agility, and a collaborative spirit. We offer a creative and supportive work environment where your ideas are valued, and your contributions can make a real impact.

Seaborough is located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a city recognized to be one of Europe’s hotspots when it comes to a fruitful start-up business environment. Seaborough started in 2013 and is backed by the Dutch private equity firm Momentum Global Ventures, which focuses on clean-tech companies that have the potential to challenge the existing status quo and set the new standard in their respective business areas. 

We are looking for a hands-on device engineer or materials scientist to steer device engineering aimed at boosting greenhouse crop yields from lab concepts to pilot-ready prototypes, by translating market demands into technical solutions. To do so, you will perform hands-on work on the integration of rare-earth nanophosphors into polymer films, coatings and/or laminated glass and establish and drive partnerships with external parties. You will also contribute to writing patent applications, scientific publications, grant proposals and present the latest results about our technologies and products at worldwide conferences and fairs. This is a full-time role based at Amsterdam Science Park.

• Translate market demands into commercially viable technical solutions and designs
• Lead design and integration of rare-earth nanophosphors into polymer and laminated-glass prototypes for greenhouse applications
• Develop and optimize coating formulations, film/coating processes, dispersion quality, and encapsulation strategies that preserve optical performance and durability
• Plan and execute stability testing (UV/solar exposure, humidity/temperature cycling) and build mitigation strategies for long-term outdoor use
• Translate the results of optical characterization for performance in real-life environments
• Establish and lead industrial collaborations with external product development and production partnerships; drive and formulate deliverables and targets
• Stay up to date with scientific  and market progress and translate new insights to solutions that fit our fields of application
• Convert concepts and results into IP, publications, and demonstrators; contribute to grant proposals and conferences
• Mentor and guide junior colleagues and students

Technical skills

• MSc with 5+ years of experience or PhD in Chemistry / Materials Science / Physics / Chemical / Device / Application Engineering or related fields
• Deep, hands-on expertise in integrating (nano)materials into polymers and devices including coating formulation, processing and dispersing, encapsulation in polymers and/or glass, interfaces and adhesion
• Experience in evaluating and interpreting the optical properties at the device level
• Proven experience in translating market demands into technical concepts and products
• Track record in writing scientific publications and/or patents and presenting results to a professional audience

Soft skills

• Good fit to a young and international team with a start-up/scale-up work environment
• Ability to work independently in an organized manner and with high precision, meeting project deliverables and timelines
• Clear, efficient communication skills with both technical and commercial audiences. Fluent in English
• Passion for creating sustainable and clean technologies

Nice-to-have qualifications

• 3+ years of working experience in product/application development or B2B customer-facing role
• Experience with nanoparticle ligand engineering and surface chemistry
• Experience with plant-light interactions and/or the greenhouse industry
• Experience with optical spectroscopy and/or modelling, e.g. ray tracing

• A dynamic and international organization full of ambition
• Flexible working culture with the opportunity to work from home when possible
• A market conform salary in line with your experience
• 8% Vacation allowance
• Pension scheme without employee contribution
• 25 vacation days
• Short Term Incentive (STI): Annual bonus scheme amounting to 1 month’s salary based on achieved company and personal objectives
• 30% ruling eligibility for qualifying candidates and support with visa arrangements
• Support on personal growth and development, including 2000 euro yearly personal budget for courses and training
• Great location at Amsterdam Science Park, surrounded by other young tech companies and research institutes
• Connectivity: It is a 5-minute walk to the nearest train station, Amsterdam Science Park, and 10 minutes by bus to the larger station Amsterdam Amstel

Does this make you enthusiastic? And or do you have any further questions? Please send you application (CV and motivation letter) and/or your questions to: Dr. Federico Montanarella (Director of Research) at f.montanarella@seaborough.com