Technical/Research Assistant: “Biogeochemistry of ocean nanoplastics (3 years)”

The Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB) at NIOZ is seeking a highly motivated Technical/Research assistant with a background in a biogeochemistry and/or microbial ecology laboratory.

ROYAL NIOZ 

NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the Dutch national oceanographic institute. NIOZ conducts excellent fundamental, and frontier applied marine research. NIOZ includes the National Marine research Facilities (NMF) department that operates several research vessels and the national pool of large seagoing equipment. 

THE DEPARTEMENT 
The MMB Department investigates microbial communities across all marine environments, from estuaries to the deep ocean and from the geological past to the present. Through field and experimental studies combined with analytical, biochemical, and modern genomic techniques, the department examines the diversity, evolution, physiology, and activity of eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and viruses in diverse marine settings.

THE VACANCY
Are you a highly motivated Technical/Laboratory Assistant eager to work in an interdisciplinary team on ocean nanoplastics? Do you have experience in a biogeochemistry and/or microbial ecology laboratory, and are you excited about participating in sea-going expeditions? Apply now to join the NanoMare team.

As part of the ERC project NanoMare, the department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry is looking for an enthusiastic Technical/Laboratory assistant. The successful candidate will assist with laboratory investigations using stable isotope techniques, high-pressure incubations, and DNA/RNA-based analyses. In addition, the candidate will also contribute to preparing and supporting fieldwork and should be willing to participate in seagoing expeditions. We are looking for someone who can work independently, thrives in an interdisciplinary environment, and communicates well. Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Dutch is desirable.

THE PROJECT 
The NanoMare project investigates the sources, fate, and microbial degradation of nanoplastics (<1 µm) in the ocean. Recent advances by our team have enabled the detection and quantification of nanoplastics and demonstrated that marine microbes can degrade nanoplastics. Building on these breakthroughs, NanoMare will combine ocean-going expeditions with newly developed in situ and high-pressure incubation techniques to study nanoplastic inventories as well as microbe-nanopalstic interactions from coastal to open ocean settings and surface waters to the deep sea. Several postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates collaborate across disciplines to characterize degradation pathways, identify responsible microorganisms, and assess ecosystem impacts. The project aims to deliver fundamental insights into the global distribution, degradation kinetics, and ecological consequences of nanoplastics.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• highly motivated technical/laboratory assistant with an HBO degree (or equivalent)

• working in a biogeochemistry microbial ecology laboratory (e.g. setting up microcosms and enrichment cultures)

• Willingness to join sea-going expeditions

• working experience with stable isotopes is desireable

• experience in applying molecular tools (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR) is desirable

• management skills to ‘juggle’ various responsibilities (analysis for different members of the working group, preparation of expedition etc)

• Adequate verbal communication skills in English are mandatory, Dutch language skills are desirable

• Adequate social communication skills

NIOZ is a transparent institute with a healthy working climate and an inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds and gender 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.

CONDITIONS 

• Employment of this full-time position at Royal NIOZ is by NWO-I for a duration of 1 year with prospects of an extension up to 2 additional years. Part-time employment can be considered

• 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. 

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 prof. Helge Niemann. for information about the hiring procedure working@nioz.nl  

Closing date for this vacancy is 16 November 2025