Vacature (Junior) Research Associate, Mechanical Testing & Tanning

(Junior) Research Associate, Mechanical Testing & Tanning in Maastricht

Company Overview

Reyva is a fast-growing startup committed to advancing sustainable and scalable cultivated leather production. Our dedicated international team works across multiple disciplines to drive innovations that are shaping the future of leather.

Position Overview

We are looking for a driven (Junior) Research Associate to join our Product Development team in Maastricht.

As a (Junior) Research Associate in Mechanical Testing & Tanning, you will join a multidisciplinary team and support our leather development work. You will run mechanical tests on our leather, carry out lab-scale tanning runs, and help keep our Tanning lab running smoothly. You will also support our Tissue Engineering team.

This is a hands-on laboratory role, best suited to someone with an MBO vocational diploma (MBO level 4). Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Perform mechanical tests on leather, such as tensile strength, tear strength and flex resistance
• Prepare and condition test specimens, and document test data
• Execute lab-scale tanning runs according to protocol
• Keep organized records, sample inventories and lab documentation
• Keep the Tanning lab equipment operational, clean and well stocked
• Work closely with colleagues in tanning and tissue engineering to keep daily operations running smoothly

You will have the opportunity to:

• Build a strong base in mechanical testing, leather processing and tanning chemistry
• Contribute your test results to the development of reliable, reproducible tanning procedures
• Work more independently, help develop testing protocols and SOPs, and learn about cell culture and tissue analysis techniques

You will receive structured onboarding and training to build the skills needed for success and long-term development.

Who You Are

You are a curious and motivated scientist who enjoys hands-on work and is comfortable with routine tasks. You thrive in a collaborative environment, are detail-oriented in your day-to-day work, and are driven by the idea of contributing to a more sustainable future.

At Reyva, our values guide the way we work together:

• Excellence: You work with precision, dedication, and creativity.
• Integrity: You are honest and open in your work and committed to ethical choices.
• Respect: You value others, listen actively, and contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Curiosity: You seek to understand deeply and embrace learning and discovery.
• Tenacity: You are resilient and flexible, overcoming challenges with determination.
• Diversity: You welcome different perspectives and believe collaboration across cultures and teams drives innovation.

Required skills and qualifications:

• MBO (vocational diploma), HBO/BSc in Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Materials Science or a related field, e.g. Laboratory Technician (Uitvoerend laborant), All-round Laboratory Technician (Allround laborant), Laboratory Technology – Biotechnology or Environmental (Laboratoriumtechniek), Biomedical Analyst (Biologisch-medisch analist), Chemical-Physical Analyst (Chemisch-fysisch analist)
• Industry experience: 0–2 years (Junior) or 2–5 years (Associate)
• Hands-on experience with general laboratory work, such as weighing, solution preparation and pH measurement, and/or experience with materials testing
• Comfortable working with chemicals and following safety procedures
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols and SOPs accurately
• Ability to keep accurate lab records and document experiments
• Basic data handling skills, such as Excel
• Ability to work well in a team
• Good verbal and written communication skills (minimum B2 level English)
• Permission to work in the EU (Netherlands)

Preferred skills:

• Experience with mechanical testing of leather, textiles, polymers or biomaterials, and knowledge of testing standards such as ISO or ASTM
• Familiarity with leather processing or tanning chemistry
• Experience with an electronic lab notebook or LIMS, such as Benchling
• Basic knowledge of cell culture or tissue analysis, or an interest in learning these techniques
• Experience working in an R&D or start-up environment

Candidates who do not meet every preferred skill are still encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• Work in an excellent, highly motivated international team that combines dedication with a positive and engaging work culture
• Opportunities to broaden your expertise by learning from different scientific fields and innovative technologies
• Contribute directly to the progress of lab-grown leather and a more sustainable future
• 25 days of paid leave per year, complemented by additional benefits
• Work in the historic city of Maastricht

Start date: January 2027

How to Apply

If you are excited about the opportunity to join our team and meet the qualifications, please apply by emailing your resume directly to HR, [email protected]. A cover letter is welcome; at a minimum, please include a few lines on your motivation for applying.