Chemical Analyst Organic Chemistry

Do you want to use your analytical and instrumental expertise and your drive for innovation to help shape a future worth looking forward to? 

VITO is the leading science to technology partner for companies, governments and society in the sustainability transition. Our research activities focus on three domains in which we aim to achieve maximum impact in Flanders, Europe and worldwide, a regenerative economy, a healthy living environment and resilient ecosystems. 

As a reference laboratory, VITO is responsible in Flanders for the way in which environmental measurements, including water, soil and air, are carried out within a European regulatory context. To this end, VITO works closely with the Flemish government and commercial environmental laboratories to embed innovation and sustainability at the core of daily environmental monitoring. This includes monitoring and capturing analytical developments, implementing them in the laboratory together with a team of specialised analysts, and translating them into reference measurement methods, such as Flemish compendia and WAC, linked to the legal and regulatory framework. 

In addition, the VITO laboratory is specialised in chemical characterisation that is not performed in so called routine laboratories. In this context, you will collaborate with companies and public authorities under the guidance of experienced researchers. You will contribute to new analytical developments and help solve analytical challenges for which no solutions previously existed. Routine work is not part of this position. 

For our analytical laboratory, we are looking for an analyst in organic analysis with demonstrated expertise in the analysis of small organic molecules. You perform accurate and reproducible measurements using UPLC-MS/MS and related chromatographic techniques. You have experience with active pharmaceutical ingredients, xenobiotics and organic environmental pollutants, and you deliver high quality analytical data to support research and monitoring activities. Experience with human biomonitoring is considered an asset. You work in a structured and quality focused manner and function effectively within a specialised chromatography team, where accuracy and quality awareness are essential. 

To achieve these objectives, we are looking for a motivated analyst who contributes to the further development and implementation of organic analytical methods within the laboratory. You work in a technologically advanced environment with modern infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise. Your contribution supports the monitoring of exposure to organic pollutants and strengthens the scientific foundation of research activities, with results that inspire confidence during both internal and external audits. 

Responsibilities 

• You are involved in the execution of a wide range of analytical tasks, with a focus on developing and implementing analytical techniques for the characterisation of small organic molecules; 

• You use your technical judgement to determine the most appropriate analytical approach for different sample matrices. Together with researchers, you define the analytical strategy and estimate the required effort; 

• You are responsible for the entire analytical process and workload management, including sample preparation, development and validation of the most suitable measurement method, execution of measurements, quality control, interpretation of raw data, data processing and reporting; 

• You communicate independently and in a timely manner about work progress and any unforeseen circumstances, for which you develop and implement an appropriate solution. You are part of a self managing team and report to the researcher; 

• You actively contribute to the development of new methods, improvement of existing applications and instrumental troubleshooting; 

• You write scientific reports for researchers and clients, including introduction, methods, results, discussion and references; 

• You work in a dynamic environment where no two projects are the same, offering ample opportunities to strengthen your expertise across multiple techniques. 

• You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, or possess an equivalent level of experience; 

• Techniques and instrumentation for organic chemical characterisation are familiar to you; 

• Preferably, you have initial experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry; 

• You take initiative, assume responsibility and have strong problem solving skills. A complex environment with new challenges motivates you and gives you energy; 

• You are resilient under pressure and flexible in handling ad hoc assignments; 

• Strong communication skills, proficiency in Dutch is an asset, proficiency in English is mandatory; 

• You work independently while keeping the team objectives and deadlines in mind; 

• You are a true team player in collaboration with your colleagues. 

• Offer 
  A competitive salary with a broad range of benefits, including allowances, insurance and a flexible package of leave days; 

• Innovation is our key strength, therefore employees are encouraged to follow additional training and remain up to date within their field of expertise; 

• The opportunity to be part of an organisation with an international reputation, known for advanced technological research and scientific consultancy; 

• The possibility to actively contribute to sustainable developments at local, national and global level.