Thomas Nijs

Experience

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  Glas Trösch Group

  Jul 2012 - Sept 2012

  Project work at the coating development division

  Topic: Fabrication and characterization of novel quaternary optical coatings.

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  Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI), University of Basel

  Oct 2013 - Sept 2017

  PhD Student

  Scientific: - Initiated a new collaboration, pioneering in investigations of a new type of molecules, namely divergent terpyridine molecules, at the solid-vacuum interphase. - Explored molecule-molecule and molecule-substrate interactions at the single unit level, making use of the complete toolkit of chemical forces/bonds (keyword: supramolecular chemistry). - With collaborator, this study was extended towards a comparison 2D vs 3D (including new effects, eg. molecule-solvent interactions). - Designed and carried out experiments in the UHV (10^-11 mBar) and cryogenic environment (5 K).- Main analysis techniques: Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Skills: - Realized major lab upgrades while being equipment supervisor (included maintenance and testing of new equipment), plus improved working conditions as lab safety responsible. - Trained and mentored junior members (2 PhD, 1 master and 1 summer student).- Supervised the research group’s activities/projects/experiments for 1.5 years.- Handled most of the external communication (group’s website, secretariats, collaborations, acting per pro of professor in absence, executing any teaching duty offered in the Curriculum (organized and led seminars, held and set up exercises/exam, supervised practical physics course and was 7 times block course instructor)). Rewards:Next to the strong publication record in major journals, this PhD study has been awarded as 'Highlight' in the 2013 SNI (Swiss Nanoscience Institute) annual report, acting as representative of the newly founded SNI PhD school. Show less

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  Paul Scherrer Institut PSI

  Dec 2013 - Jul 2017

  Visiting Researcher

  Participation on demand base in synchrotron measurements at the Swiss Light Source (SLS), with close to 90 dayshifts and over 20 nights.

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  Ferrovac GmbH

  Mar 2014 - Jul 2017

  Assistant Prototype Engineer

  I performed real-world condition tests during the development of world’s first portable ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope, plus compiled feedback reports thereof. I have accompanied the entire project from the kick-off meeting till market maturity.

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  Axetris AG

  Jan 2018 - Mar 2024

  Product Quality Engineer
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  OVD Kinegram AG

  Apr 2024 - now

  Senior Project Manager