Research Assistant in the Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems

The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS) is part of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). We are located at the Oosterschelde in Yerseke, and from this beautiful location, a diverse and international group of approximately 70 colleagues, including researchers and support staff, conducts research into the interactions between organisms and the dynamic environment of estuaries and deltas. The research motto of the EDS department is: "the responsible protection, restoration and use of our estuaries and deltas starts with understanding". We are seeking a Research Assistant to help support our research, including our activities in the field and laboratory, on projects linked to the Delta Climate Center. 

THE DEPARTMENT 
The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, NIOZ-Yerseke) aims to understand how the interplay between organisms, hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics and chemistry, shapes estuarine and delta systems, and to understand natural and human-induced environmental changes. An important focus of our research is how these abiotic-biotic interactions create value for society, for example, by investigating sustainable sources of marine biomass for food and other applications, the effects of Nature-based Solutions (including the “Building with Nature” paradigm), and to understand how to achieve a healthy biodiverse environment. We do frontier applied science, meaning that we link fundamental understanding to societal usage. In doing so, we aim to actively support managers with the insights needed for ecosystem conservation and restoration, and enhancing ecosystem services (e.g. carbon sequestration, maintaining biodiversity, improving coastal ecosystem health, creating nature-based flood defence, exploring alternative sources of food and other applications), all in the face of global change and accelerating sea level rise. 

THE DELTA CLIMATE CENTER 

The Delta Climate Center (DCC) in Vlissingen is a new and innovative knowledge center in the field of climate adaptation. It unites science and practice through a unique partnership between the knowledge institutions Scalda, HZ University of Applied Sciences, University College Roosevelt, NIOZ, Utrecht University, and Wageningen University & Research. The core question of the DCC is: how to advance the transition towards sustainable, climate-resilient, and prosperous deltas? With the Zeeland delta as its living lab, the DCC fosters innovative and impactful solutions for future-proof deltas worldwide.  

THE VACANCY 

Human interventions have significantly impacted nature in estuaries and deltas. These dynamic environments provide important habitats for many species, while also supporting a multitude of social and economic activities. Our research aims to better understand these ecosystems, the species within them, and how restoration measures can help recover ecosystem functions and contribute to sustainable solutions. Our work combines fieldwork and laboratory experiments. Fieldwork involves a wide range of techniques, from collecting sediment and biological samples in coastal ecosystems (tidal flats, salt marshes, rocky shores, (sub)tidal oyster reefs and seagrass meadows), to conducting measurements using advanced instruments and operating drones. Many samples collected in the field are subsequently analyzed in detail in our laboratories in Yerseke. Laboratory work includes experiments with living organisms such as seaweeds, seagrass and shellfish. These range from small-scale controlled studies to larger experiments in flumes, tidal systems, and flow-through tanks (e.g. for seaweed cultivation), which replicate natural conditions, and allow us to study ecological and physiological processes.  

To support our field and laboratory research, we are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual who can work both independently and as part of our experienced team. The role requires problem-solving, creativity, and strong practical skills. In addition, you will contribute to educational field and laboratory activities delivered by NIOZ as part of the Delta Climate Center (DCC), supporting students and assisting with practical training sessions. 

THE CANDIDATE 

• You are a practical go-getter, with an enthusiasm to support a range of research activities, including the demands that come with working in the field and laboratory experiments.  

• Fieldwork can be physically challenging and requires a good level of fitness. Reaching sampling locations often involves walking across marshes and tidal flats, or traveling by boat. You should also be willing to occasionally support work on our research cruises. Despite the demands, much of the work takes place in beautiful natural locations. 

• You enjoy learning and mastering new techniques, both in the field and the laboratory. You will be technically competent, and happy to develop your skills using a range of scientific equipment, measuring devices, and associated software. Some of the equipment commonly used by our small team of experienced research assistants includes: flying (LIDAR) drones, using automated measuring instruments like ADCP, OBS, FRRF, in situ incubation chambers, as well as laboratory flumes. 

• Experience in setting up and maintaining experimental aquarium systems, recirculating aquaculture systems and/or flow-through systems would be an advantage. 

• You are a team player, able to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different roles and career stages, including students, PhD candidates, senior scientists, and international collaborators. 

• At times you will co-ordinate the effort of others to achieve effective, safe, collaborative fieldwork campaigns. You need to be both sociable and communicative – your day-to-day activities will include helping others, including people from overseas and with different backgrounds and career stages. 

• Our work can be dictated by tides and other external factors, and hence at times some flexibility in working hours is necessary. 

• You are curious, proactive, and problem-solving oriented, able to adapt to both experimental challenges in the laboratory, and dynamic conditions in the field. 

In addition, you have: 

• A suitable prior education and/or work experience at HBO level. 

• Sufficient knowledge of the Dutch and English languages, both verbally and in writing. 

• Possess a driving license B (or BE). 

• A boat license is considered an advantage, or willingness to obtain one. 

Please note that non-EU citizens can only apply for this position when they have a valid work permit for working in the Netherlands, as this is not regarded as a scientific position. 

 
CONDITIONS 

• Employment of this temporary full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I for a duration of 1 year, with the option to extend the contract by 2 years if both parties are satisfied. 

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 8/9, scaling based on education and level of experience. 

• The freedom to fulfil your role and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.  

• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.  

• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%.  

• 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.  

• Employment benefits plan to exchange a portion of your salary for days off or vice versa or can be used to purchase a bicycle with tax benefits. 

• We offer relocation expenses for employees coming from abroad and support with finding accommodation.  

For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Brenda Walles (brenda.walles@nioz.nl). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to: working@nioz.nl. 
 
Closing date for applications for this vacancy is 19 April 2026 

Interviews are scheduled for 11 May 2026