Research Assistant Taxonomy Benthos Laboratory

The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) is looking for a motivated research assistant with taxonomic knowledge and an interest in the organisms living in the sediment of intertidal areas such as the Wadden Sea within the department of Coastal Systems (COS).

THE INSTITUTE
NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the national oceanographic research institute. The mission of NIOZ is to perform academically excellent multidisciplinary fundamental and innovative applied marine research, addressing important scientific and societal questions related to the functioning of oceans and seas. NIOZ also provides National Marine Facilities (NMF) for the Netherlands scientific community, and stimulates and supports national and international marine research, marine education programs and marine policy development. NIOZ employs about 350 colleagues from over 30 countries, which are divided over the main location on the island of Texel, and the location in Yerseke.

THE DEPARTMENT
The NIOZ Coastal Systems (COS) department studies marine ecosystems along the coast and their populations of fish, birds, and other marine animals. COS focuses on important physical, chemical, and biological processes that determine the productivity and ecological functioning of coastal areas. We study the coastal ecosystem as a whole by considering the most important ecosystem compartments (water, sediment, microalgae, macrozoobenthos, parasites, fish, and birds) in relation to each other. Important areas where COS works are the Wadden Sea and the Dutch coastal zone of the North Sea, but we also study coastal systems in other parts of the world.

BACKGROUND
The Benthos Laboratory supports various NIOZ projects related to benthic animals in the international Wadden Sea and intertidal areas worldwide. Sampling campaigns are conducted in close collaboration with researchers. Major ongoing projectsinclude SIBES (the intertidal mudflats) and SUBES (permanently submerged deeper parts). Within these programs, the entire Dutch Wadden Sea is sampled every 500 meters (SIBES) and 1000 meters (SUBES), taking a sample of the sediment from which the benthic animals (macrozoobenthos) are collected. Combined, these samples provide a good overview of the distribution of species and the species richness of the Wadden Sea.

THE FUNCTION
The core task of the research assistant is to identify macrozoobenthic species from the sediment samples collected for various projects. You will process and quantify these in a structured (ISO-certified) manner and determine their biomass. You will also contribute to other lab activities such as pre-sorting benthos samples, homogenizing sediment, and processing water samples taken from a jetty at the NIOZ. In addition to this laboratory work, there are opportunities to contribute to fieldwork, which involves collecting sediment samples in the Wadden Sea from rubber boats and the research vessel Wim Wolff. However, the focus of this position will be in the laboratory. The Benthos team offers a stimulating environment in the world's largest benthos lab, where researchers and laboratory staff work closely together to prepare and carry out projects.

THE CANDIDATE
We are looking for a candidate with at least a bachelor's degree from an University of Applied Science, and with a strong affinity for identifying organisms, who can work independently and accurately (according to ISO standards). A Dutch/European passport or work permit in the Netherlands is required for this position.

NIOZ is a transparent institute with a healthy working environment and an inclusive culture, where people from different backgrounds and genders contribute and develop their talents. We strive for inclusive decision-making processes and expect our leadership to demonstrate visible commitment, awareness of bias, and cultural intelligence.

 THE CONDITIONS

• A fulltime appointment at NIOZ is an appointment at NWO-I for a period of one year for 40 hours a week, which may be extended to a maximum of four years if both parties are satisfied and funding is available.

• A competitive salary in scale 8/9 in accordance with the CAO-WVOI (Collective Labor Agreement for the Scientific Research and Development Sector), with placement in the scale depending on your work experience and educational background.

• Opportunities for your personal (talent) development, including the NIOZ Academy.

• 338 vacation hours per year, based on a full-time working week of 40 hours.

• Pension scheme through ABP, 8% vacation pay in May and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33% in December.

• 100% reimbursement of second-class travel by public transport.

• An employment conditions scheme whereby salary can be exchanged for days off or vice versa, or you can use your salary or leave hours once 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
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Oscar Franken. For additional information about the selection procedure, please send an email to working@nioz.nl.

The closing date for this vacancy is August 01, 2025.