Chemical Analyst (research co-worker) ICP-MS

Do you have a strong background in analytical chemistry and are you interested in working as a Chemical Analyst (Research Assistant) in ocean research? Then the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) has an interesting job offer for you. Full-time appointment with prospect of a permanent contract on the beautiful island Texel.

THE VACANCY

We are seeking a motivated Chemical Analyst to join the department of Ocean Systems (OCS). As a research institute we are often operating at the cutting-edge of analytical chemistry and aim to remain at the international forefront of marine research and innovation, making teamwork among analysts and scientists essential to our success. If you have a passion for analytical chemistry and hands-on work with equipment, and want to be involved in exciting and innovative ocean research, we offer a great opportunity to work in a beautiful part of the Netherlands with a healthy work-life balance!

Job responsibilities:

• Preparation of marine samples (e.g. seawater water matrix removal and pre-concentration using SeaFAST, sediment digestions) in the geochemical Clean Laboratory.
• As part of the plasma analytical team, conduct and develop trace element (and isotopic) analysis in the ICP-MS Laboratory, which houses three Thermo Scientific ICP-MS instruments: iCAP-Q (quadrupole), Element-2 (single collector sector field) and Neptune (multi collector sector field). The focus will, in first instance be on the Element-2 analyses.
• Maintain and trouble-shoot equipment, coordinating services by service engineers.
• Support students and scientists in planning and preparation of experiments and analyses.
• Improve existing analytical techniques and innovation, both within OCS and in (inter)national consortia (for instance by participating in intercalibration efforts).

Flexibility and enthusiasm to learn new, or improve existing techniques is important. The work mostly takes place in the OCS laboratories, but you may also join sea-going expeditions for short periods of time to collect and analyze samples.

THE CANDIDATE

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with a strong affinity for analytical chemistry and the capabilities and flexibility to work both independently and as part of a team. The position offers a lot of flexibility and freedom to schedule tasks and collaboratively work on methods improvements, so a responsible attitude to time management is required. We look for an enthusiastic and proactive colleague who is eager to work in a diverse and multi-disciplinary team of technicians and scientists, always with a sharp eye for data quality. You respect and contribute to the safe and inclusive work environment of NIOZ.

The candidate has:

• Completed a Bachelor/HBO education in laboratory techniques or equivalent, preferably analytical chemistry
• Experience with ICP-MS would be great, but eagerness to learn is just as important. If needed, an Element-2 ICP-MS training course by the manufacturer can be offered.
• Strong organizing skills with flexibility to work in dynamic projects.
• A proactive and critical attitude to ensure optimal results.
• Interest in natural/ocean sciences.
• Good communication skills in Dutch and English. If your English skills are not great yet, that is not a problem as long as you are willing to learn.

THE INSTITUTE

NIOZ is the national oceanographic institute of the Netherlands. Its principal mission is to perform high-quality, multidisciplinary marine research and education, addressing important scientific and societal questions pertaining to the functioning of oceans, seas and deltas. NIOZ advances fundamental understanding of marine systems, the way they change, the role they play in climate and biodiversity, and how they may contribute to a sustainable future. NIOZ serves as national marine research facilitator for the scientific community in the Netherlands. In addition to its research and education, NIOZ supports the development of marine policy within the national and international context.

NIOZ strives to be a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people with diverse backgrounds bring their talents and further develop these talents. We aim for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to show visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

THE DEPARTMENT

The department of Ocean Systems (OCS) studies the role of the ocean in a changing climate, from equator to pole, from the continental shelf to the deep ocean and from the past to the present. As the ocean is Earth’s largest reservoir of CO₂ and heat, ocean circulation, mixing, biogeochemistry and other processes strongly impact global climate, but in turn, the ocean is changing rapidly because of (human) stressors, creating complex feedback loops. Furthermore, seafloor sediments have recorded past changes in conditions on land and in the ocean, in the form of biological residues or physical and chemical signals, which allow us to reconstruct feedbacks between oceanic processes and climate in the (ancient) past. The OCS department investigates ocean functioning by means of sea-going expeditions, during which data and samples are collected from the water column and the seafloor. The samples are analyzed in on-board and on-shore laboratories and we have collected a large information and sample repository over the past decades, which serves as the basis of our ocean research. The OCS technical and scientific staff is international, diverse, and has approximately 50 members, including PhD students, postdocs, and Master students from all over the world.

THE CONDITIONS

Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is with umbrella organistion NWO-I under the CAO-WVOI  (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) at scale 8/9, depending on the candidate's education and experience. The contract starts with a duration of 1 year and will be converted to a permanent position with mutual agreement. NWO-I is dedicated to achieve a good work life balance for its employees and offers excellent employment conditions, e.g.:

• Salary based on education and experience up to a maximum of € 4679 gross per month.
• 338 annualized holiday hours for a full-time 40-hour work week.
• Good travel allowance for commuting where 2nd class public transportation travel is reimbursed 100%.
• The freedom to fulfill your role and space and opportunities for your personal (talent) development with the help of the NIOZ Academy.
• Relocation expenses covered and we offer support with finding accommodation.
• Pension scheme via ABP, 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. 
• 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.

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

MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Gert-Jan Reichart (Head of OCS Department) or Rob Middag (Chair of the selection committee)

For more information about the hiring procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl