Experiment & Chemistry Director
Do you want to contribute to the development of a new energy technology that can safely turn nuclear waste into emission-free energy? Are you excited about working in a hands-on deep tech start-up team that aims to make a huge impact? Are you passionate about technology development and experimental work in the field of chemistry and materials science? Then, we might be just the company you are looking for! We are looking for a driven Experiment & Chemistry Director to join our innovative and international team.
- Careers
About Thorizon
At Thorizon, we're a passionate team of ~ 50 spread across Amsterdam and Lyon, all working together to develop nuclear power solutions. We design and create frontier technology for Molten Salt Reactors (MSR).
Our purpose is to accelerate the availability of clean energy and help solve the climate crisis.
We are in the development phase and aim to solidify our design through analyses, experiments, simulations, and partnerships. At Thorizon, we believe a strongly coupled multidisciplinary technology development requires a culture of full openness and transparency. That's why we foster values like unity, communication, and support to ensure we grow together as a team while achieving our purpose.
Your mission
In this role, you will lead the experimental program of Thorizon and the chemistry team associated, largely in the field of chemistry and material characterization. It includes designing, setting up and executing tests to generate data and quantify and measure phenomena in Thorizon systems as input to computational codes. This way, you contribute to the overall validation and prototyping program needed to qualify our reactor according to customer and safety case requirements.
The role is based in Lyon.
In this role you will:
- Lead the experimental program, managing scope and quality, both internal and external with subcontractors and partners, ensuring its effectiveness to support Thorizon design and safety case
- Lead and scale the chemistry team of experts, and develop and expand the team to execute the experimental chemistry, corrosion and material science related programs
- Ensure progress and quality output on topics like the following:
- Salt characterization, enveloping salt composition evolution in primary and secondary salt circuits of the Thorizon plant
- Salt-structure chemical interaction, including dynamic tests by in-house developed corrosion loops.
- Material testing for characterization and qualification purposes
- Manage chemistry content and quality in internal Thorizon and external collaborations and interactions
- Be responsible for compliance with safety regulations and best practices regarding molten salt chemistry and materials science.
- Secure quality assurance and control with regards to measurements, data generation and reporting.
- Report to the CTO.
About you:
- Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science.
- 10 years of experience with managing experts, R&D teams
- Experience with executing experimental R&D programs, both internal and with subcontractors or partners including external resources and facilities
- You like working in an agile manner, with a practical solution-focused attitude, and are comfortable at the fast pace and changes in a technological scale-up.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with attention to detail, quality and accuracy.
- You are a team player, that can grow and manage a team of specialists and experts
- You are an excellent communicator (clear is kind), in English, both spoken and written.
- You have a broad interest in technology, and can connect well to other disciplines in engineering and science,
- Prior experience with high temperature coolants (molten salts, liquid metals), material testing and qualification, is a plus
- You have an intrinsic motivation to get things done and have an impact.
What can you expect from us?
- Dynamic and ambitious team of nuclear technology professionals that are committed to solving today’s energy challenges.
- Unique experience in a fast-growing VC-backed deep tech start-up
- Opportunity to work on a game-changing technology that reduces our carbon footprint and nuclear waste streams.
- Competitive salary and an employee profit-sharing plan
- International work experience
- Office in the heart of Amsterdam or Lyon next to the Central station, including start-up vibes, office amenities, Thursday drinks and quarterly team events.
Does this sound like a match? We are looking forward to your application! Apply now!
Thorizon takes responsibility to make our company more inclusive. We need all ideas to realize our mission and want everyone to feel welcome in our team.