RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Do you have a strong background in analytical chemistry and an interest in environmental research? Then we are looking to recruit you to our team at the NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research on the island of Texel. We are looking for a research assistant with a passion for analytical chemistry, who is practical and has technical insight. The focus of the position will initially be on liquid chromatography (high resolution) mass spectrometry (LCMS) with opportunities to branch out to sample preparation and various gas chromatography (GC), GC-MS and stable isotope MS applications and equipment. This position starts with a temporary appointment of one year with the possibility of a tenured appointment after one year.

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) studies microbial communities and their functioning in all types of marine environments, from estuaries to the deep ocean, from tropical coral reefs to polar regions, and from the present to the past. MMB is an international and dynamic department and has approximately 80 members, including PhD students, postdocs and Master students from more than 15 different countries. A group of sixteen staff scientists and fifteen research assistants (junior and senior) form the core of the department. Research assistants work in a close and supportive group of assistants and technicians, under the guidance of a Laboratory Head. Their work is driven by the research interests of the staff scientists and the PhDs and postdocs who work with them. Research assistants are valued members of the department and are included in scientific discussion and presentations.   

THE VACANCY 
As a Research Assistant you will be responsible for, among others: 

• Optimizing, organizing and maintaining our four LC-MS systems  

• Preparing samples and standards for analysis 

• Introducing, informing and assisting lab users (interns, PhD students and Postdocs) with respect to the proper use of lab equipment and procedures 

• Resolving problems and answering questions from lab users 

• Working collegially in a team that is responsible for operating and maintaining GC, GC-MS, stable isotope MS and LC-MS systems.   

• Keeping digital administration of activities and results 

THE CANDIDATE 

We are looking for highly motivated and collegial candidates with: 

• Bachelor's degree, HBO, in chemistry or any related analytical laboratory science 

• Interest in LC-MS, laboratory maintenance and organization 

• Self-motivated, hands-on and interested in the innerworkings of analytical equipment  

• Cooperative and open attitude 

• Efficient, accurate and organized working manner individually and in a team 

• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of the lab team 

• Good communication skills in both English and Dutch (oral and written) 

We strive to ensure that our staff reflect the diversity of society, including age, gender, ethnic and cultural background. We therefore very much appreciate candidates who are able to increase the diversity of NIOZ. 

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, 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. 

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 it is not regarded as a scientific position 

MORE INFORMATION 
For additional information about this vacancy, please contact Nicole Bale. For additional information about the procedure, please send an e-mail to working@nioz.nl . Please visit NIOZ and the department of MMB. 

Please note: closing date for applications: April 30th, 2025. During the procedure interviews will be held with suitable candidates.