Senior Researcher

Vacancy: Senior Researcher

Magnetocaloric Materials and R&D Project Management

Magneto is seeking an experienced Senior Researcher to lead research and development projects in magnetocaloric materials and technology. This permanent, full-time position combines scientific leadership, hands-on materials research and the structured management of multidisciplinary R&D activities. The successful candidate will contribute directly to material development and to the advancement of magnetocaloric cooling and heat-pump systems.

Candidate profile

• Education: PhD, or Master's degree with at least four years of relevant R&D experience
• Discipline: Materials science, physics or chemistry
• Expertise: Magnetocaloric materials and technology
• Language: Professional English; Dutch is advantageous

Position details

• Role: Senior Researcher
• Department: Research & Development
• Contract: Permanent; 40 hours per week
• Location: Delft, Netherlands

About Magneto

Magneto develops sustainable magnetocaloric cooling and heating technology as an alternative to conventional systems that rely on refrigerants and fossil fuels. The company combines advanced materials research, process development and system engineering to create efficient solutions for cooling and heating applications and for waste-heat-to-power conversion.

Position summary

The Senior Researcher will hold scientific responsibility for assigned materials-development programmes and manage R&D projects from definition through delivery. The role requires the ability to establish research priorities, define experimental plans, coordinate people and laboratory resources, evaluate complex data and communicate clear technical recommendations. The position works closely with materials scientists, technicians, engineers, management and international partners.

Key responsibilities

• R&D project management: Lead projects from scope definition and work planning through execution, review and reporting. Establish milestones, resource requirements, risks and deliverables; monitor progress and ensure timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Magnetocaloric materials development: Design and execute research programmes for material composition, synthesis, processing, heat treatment and performance optimisation. Translate technical objectives into structured experimental campaigns.
• Material characterisation: Plan, perform and/or supervise basic and advanced characterisation, including magnetic measurements (SQUID, VSM), thermal analysis (DSC), structural analysis (XRD), microstructural analysis (SEM) and microscopy.
• Scientific interpretation: Relate composition, processing history, microstructure and functional properties to the requirements of magnetocaloric cooling, heating and heat-pump systems, and use the evidence to define next-step development decisions.
• Team and laboratory coordination: Organise laboratory assignments and coordinate the work of materials scientists and technicians. Provide scientific guidance, support knowledge transfer and maintain clear priorities.
• Quality, safety and documentation: Ensure reliable experimental methods, traceable data, well-structured databases and workflows, and compliance with laboratory safety requirements.
• Collaboration and communication: Coordinate activities with international research and industry partners and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in professional reports and presentations.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate combines scientific depth in magnetocaloric materials with demonstrated R&D project leadership and a structured, practical approach to experimental development.

• Education and experience: A PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline; alternatively, a Master's degree accompanied by at least four years of relevant industrial or research experience.
• Scientific specialisation: A strong profile as a materials scientist, with demonstrable expertise in magnetocaloric materials and magnetocaloric technology, including their application in cooling, heating or heat-pump systems.
• Preferred thesis background: A Master's thesis or PhD thesis focused on magnetocaloric materials or magnetocaloric technology is strongly preferred.
• Characterisation expertise: Practical experience with magnetic, thermal, structural and microstructural characterisation methods, including several of the following: SQUID, VSM, DSC, XRD, SEM and microscopy.
• Project leadership: Proven ability to plan, coordinate and complete complex R&D projects involving multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams, with clear ownership of priorities, risks and deliverables.
• Scientific judgement: Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, together with the ability to work independently and convert experimental evidence into actionable recommendations.
• Data and digital skills: Proficiency in scientific data processing and structured experimental-data management. Experience with Python, MATLAB or C++ is advantageous.
• Communication and organisation: Excellent written and spoken English, strong stakeholder communication and the ability to establish clarity and structure in a dynamic R&D environment. Dutch language skills are advantageous.

What Magneto offers

• Permanent employment: A full-time, permanent employment contract based in Delft.
• Scientific ownership: A senior role with direct influence on materials-development strategy, experimental standards and the execution of R&D programmes.
• Meaningful technology development: The opportunity to work on advanced sustainable cooling and heating technology with a clear path from scientific research to practical application.
• Professional development: A multidisciplinary and international working environment with the opportunity to grow as Magneto expands its technology and organisation.

Application and contact

Interested candidates are invited to submit a curriculum vitae and motivation letter to:

Michael Maschek - Director Material Development

Email: michael@magneto.systems

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-maschek-b90b00146

Website: magneto.systems

• Magneto welcomes candidates who combine scientific expertise with disciplined project leadership and a strong commitment to sustainable technology development.

Salaris: Vanaf €3.200,00 per maand

Werklocatie: Fysiek