Research Assistant in the Department of Estuarine and Delta System

The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS) is part of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). We are located on the Oosterschelde in Yerseke, and from this beautiful location, a diverse and international group of approximately 70 colleagues, including researchers and support staff, conduct 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.

THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems (EDS, NIOZ-Yerseke) aims to understanding how the interplay between organisms, hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics and chemistry, shapes estuarine and delta systems, and to understanding natural and human-induced environmental changes. An important focus of our research is how these abiotic-biotic interactions create value for society, for example, investigating sustainable sources of marine biomass for food, the impacts of following the “Building with Nature” paradigm, to understanding how 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, creating nature-based flood defence, exploring alternative sources of food), all in the face of global change and accelerating sea level rise.

THE VACANCY

Human interventions have had a major impact on nature in estuaries and deltas. These areas provide important habitats for many species, while also supporting a multitude of social and economic activities. We strive to understand these habitats and the species within them, and to appreciate how measures to restore nature and ecosystem functions in these environments may work. Our research combines fieldwork and laboratory experiments. Fieldwork involves a wide range of techniques, from collecting sediment and biological samples on tidal flats, to taking measurements with advanced instruments and operating drones. Many field samples are later analysed in detail in our laboratories in Yerseke. Laboratory work can includes working with live species, running experiments from small-scale controlled studies, to larger experiments in flumes or tidal tanks, that replicate natural conditions, and allow us to study ecological processes. To support our field and laboratory research, we are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual, who can work as part of our experienced team, as well as at times under their own initiative. The role will often require problem-solving, creativity, and the application of practical skills.

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, and plankton imagine systems, as well as laboratory flumes.

·        Experience of identifying and handling (in experimental settings) key benthic and plant species found in estuarine systems would be an advantage, but a willingness to learn these skills is also acceptable.

·        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 including 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).

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 full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I for a duration of 1 year with prospects of extension and a tenured appointment.

• Salary compliant with CAO-WVOI (Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Research Institutes) scale 8/9, scaling based on 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 Andrew Hirst (Andrew.hirst@nioz.nl) (Head of the EDS department). For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to: working@nioz.nl.

Closing date for applications for this vacancy is 13th January 2026

The selection interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 27th January 2026 in Yerseke, please take this into account.