Leading Dutch University Begins Search for New Director at their Renowned NanoLab MESA+ Institute to Spearhead Growth — Nano Magazine

*NanoLab MESA+ Institute within Twente University*

Housed in the Netherlands, the University of Twente's NanoLab MESA+ Institute is a beacon for technical and nanoscale engineering research. Launched in 2010 by King Willem-Alexander, it's now the most prominent nanotechnology research hub in the country, producing numerous successful spin-out companies in various nanotechnology fields. The institute is now set to enhance its influence further by recruiting a NanoLab Director.

The NanoLab MESA+ facility, a melting pot of advanced material science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology, operates on the cutting edge of nanoscale manipulation. It fosters the creation of new nanomaterials and devices with a wide range of applications, from health, energy and sustainability, AgriFood and water production, security and nanoelectronics.

A diverse team of 594 employees from 47 different nations powers the NanoLab MESA+ Institute. This includes 44 professors, 279 doctoral candidates, 111 postdoctoral researchers, and 60 technicians. Recruiting the NanoLab Director is the next step in the institute's evolution.

The NanoLab MESA+ Institute Director will be instrumental in coordinating collaborations and securing external funding

Once recruited, the NanoLab Director will play a vital role in shaping strategic policy and managing operational tasks. Tasked with optimising organisational efficiency and spearheading growth. The role entails fostering national and international collaborations, seeking opportunities for growth, securing external funding, and overseeing financial management.

The NanoLab Director will lead the institute, actively engaging in relevant regional and international bodies, aiming to amplify NanoLab's reputation and standing. They'll be instrumental in coordinating policy, nurturing external partnerships, and fostering strategic collaboration and growth. Application details for the NanoLab Director role can be found here:-

https://utwentecareers.nl/en/vacancies/1315/director-nanolab-mesa/

*Twente University Campus, which holds the NanoLab MESA+ Institute, currently holding a team that includes 44 professors and 279 doctoral candidates*

The Nanolab MESA+ Institute is renowned for its nanotechnology research, boasting over 2,000 published papers in reputed scientific journals and numerous patents. At the heart of the institute's work is the development of sustainable solutions to societal issues, from health and energy to food and water production.

The institute's groundbreaking cross-disciplinary research is supported by over 500 researchers. This multidisciplinary team collaborates with external partners to provide a nurturing environment for joint ventures and startups.

A standout project at NanoLab MESA+ Institute saw a multinational team, including researchers from the University of Twente, reprogram the capsids of plant viruses into different shapes, potentially optimising drug delivery in the human body. This triumph highlights the strength of the institute's collaborations.

Significant support for the facility comes from NanoLabs NL, the Netherlands Government, and the EU. Today, NanoLab MESA+ has a state-of-the-art 1250 m2 cleanroom and 1000 m2 analysis space and is at the forefront of nanotechnology innovation.

“The NanoLab MESA+ Institute's recent partnership with a commercial microsystems foundry is a testament to the shared-facility model, balancing academic research with the demands of industrial R&D and production. Moving forward, maintaining this equilibrium will be a crucial challenge for the MESA+,” said managing director Timo Meinders.

NanoLab MESA+ Institute Director role and responsibilities

The NanoLab MESA+ Insitute Director will be jointly responsible for the strategic policy and jointly accountable for the operation and operational running of the NanoLab. They will develop, implement and evaluate the (sub)processes within the active management to achieve the objectives of the NanoLab. They will ensure that the organisation is optimised for efficiency and manage staff directly and indirectly while driving development and growth.

A significant part of this role will be national and international collaboration working closely with the Head of Operations at NanoLab and other internal stakeholders, such as the EEMCS and S&T Faculties, the Executive Board and the Finance and Strategy & Policy Boards of Concern.

They will be the facility's main figurehead and point of contact and ensure that the NanoLab is optimally aligned with internal stakeholders. This important role will also contribute to coordinating policy and collaboration with external partners, building and maintaining relationships to foster strategic collaboration and growth.

The NanoLab Director will drive technology and business development within the NanoLab.

This key appointment will aim to identify and capitalise on opportunities for growth and innovation, working with the NanoLab team to develop new partnerships and secure external funding and also taking responsibility for operations and financial management of the NanoLab, managing budgets, monitoring economic progress, reporting and making proposals for investment in research infrastructure.

The NanoLab Director will actively participate in relevant regional and international bodies related to the NanoLab or its activities to continue to build on the reputation and help raise the profile of the NanoLab and strengthen its position nationally and internationally.