Academic Associate UAS Mechanochemical Process Development

The role of Academic Associate UAS Mechanochemical Process Development is within the Haute école d'ingénierie et d'architecture Fribour (HEIA-FR). The company is involved in a collaborative project focused on developing a new bead-reactor technology for sustainable chemical manufacturing. This technology is based on Dyno®-mill systems and aims to demonstrate its potential for fine chemicals. The main day-to-day responsibilities involve leading the synthetic and process-development core of the project. This includes designing, running, and interpreting transformations in mechanochemical bead reactors, from lab to pilot scale. The role also involves establishing advanced metrics, generating datasets for predictive scale-up models, and delivering validated scaling rules. Additionally, the associate will scale up to a pilot plant with the industrial partner, verifying robustness and reproducibility, and consolidating results in a standardized scale-transfer workflow. The associate will also interact with the consortium, present at conferences, and uphold lab safety and good scientific practice. To qualify for this role, candidates must have a Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with experience in organic synthesis. Strong interest in interdisciplinary research involving synthesis, process development, characterization, and chemical engineering is essential. The ability to conduct cutting-edge R&D with initiative, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset is also required. Rigorous, autonomous, and well-organized experimental work, with careful data documentation, is crucial. Excellent English oral and written communication skills are mandatory. Nice-to-have skills include basic communication skills in French and/or German. The role is based in Fribourg, CH, Sarine, CH, and offers an 80-100% workload. The position is a fixed-term contract (CDD) with a start date of 01.05.2027 or as agreed. What the role asks for: - Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with experience in organic synthesis - Strong interest in interdisciplinary research involving synthesis, process development, characterization, and chemical engineering - Ability to conduct cutting-edge R&D with initiative, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset - Rigorous, autonomous, and well-organized experimental work, with careful data documentation - Excellent English oral and written communication skills - Basic communication skills in French and/or German (nice-to-have)