Research Assistant Optics

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. 

As Research Assistant, you will support the technical team with (optical) characterization,  prototyping, sample preparation, executing research projects and supporting building and designing new optical setups. Main responsibilities are to conduct optical characterization and (LED) prototyping and testing.

• Conducting optical measurements (e.g. photoluminescence excitation and emission, quantum yield, transmission, diffuse reflection, (long-term) reliability)
• Preparing and testing (LED) prototypes, involving precise mixing of epoxies and phosphors and applying them on LEDs
• Designing and building new optical set-ups in collaboration with scientists and/or engineers, including laser setups
• Defining new optics experiments, tests and equipment improvements in collaboration with scientists and/or engineers
• Supporting on (luminescent) sample preparation and finalization (e.g. baking, grinding, measuring)
• Executing well-defined research projects
• Preparing and reporting test results in a clear and insightful manner

Technical skills

• Bachelor or Master in Physics, Materials Science, “HBO Physics”, Optics, or related 
• Practical experience (preferably 2 – 5 years) and skilled in the optical lab. Experience with lasers and/or LED measurements a strong advantage.
• Preferable experience with inorganic (luminescent) materials 
• Preferably hands on experience in the field of LED devices and prototyping
• Experience with nanomaterials and/or would be an advantage

Soft skills

• Enjoys hands-on (lab) work
• Creative and eager to learn
• 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
• Effective in planning and managing multiple tasks in parallel
• Strong collaborative and supportive attitude
• Clear, efficient communication skills. Fluent in English
• Passion for creating sustainable and clean technologies

• 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
• Fixed-term full-time contract for 1 year, with the outlook of a permanent contract after that
• Vacation allowance (~ 8% of yearly salary)
• Travel allowance 0,23 €/km with a maximum of 100 km per day
• Employer-paid pension scheme (no mandatory 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