Are you interested in supporting research into the potential of soils to take up CO2 and store carbon, and the role of interactions between plants and microbes in this process? Are you excited about field work, and do you like working with specialist lab equipment for the analysis of plant, soil, and greenhouse gas samples? We are looking for a research technician within the NWA project "Harnessing root-microbe-mineral interactions for climate friendly agricultural soils", led by Prof. Franciska de Vries. This project will investigate the role of root-microbe interactions in forming stable soil organic matter in different soil types and under future climate scenarios. We will do this using a range of different approaches, from field experiments to controlled greenhouse experiments. We are looking for a motivated research technician with expertise in plant-microbial interactions and relevant techniques for studying these interactions, such as plant and soil nutrient and carbon analysis, and DNA-based techniques for microbial community analysis. You have experience in, and affinity for, field work.

What are you going to do

You will provide technical support for an NWA-funded project that will test the role of root-microbe interactions soil organic matter formation and greenhouse gas emissions. In this position, you will work closely together with the project team, as well as with the chemical and microbiological lab teams. You will be responsible for setting up and maintaining field experiments and greenhouse experiments together with the project team, for the processing and analysis of plant, soil, and gas samples, and you will share responsibility for the management and safety of laboratories and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities. You will determine the priorities of these activities in close consultation with the project postdoctoral researcher and the PI. You will be part of a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant research group, and you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and professional profile within the area of plant-soil interactions. Specifically, you will:

• Carry out routine and complex laboratory research duties as directed by the grant PI, postdoctoral scientists and laboratory manager, using a range of equipment for microbial community, nutrient, carbon and greenhouse gas assessment, including phospholipid analysis using GC-MS, molecular composition of soil organic matter by Py-GC-MS, elemental analysis (CNS), and segmented flow cation- and anion analysis (SFA)
• Set up and maintain field and pot experiments and collection of soil and vegetation samples from field sites using a range of techniques for plant and soil assessment (including plant surveys), and assessment of greenhouse gas emissions
• Be responsible for some local laboratory budgeting related to specific grants, and the purchasing and procurement of consumables and equipment
• Meticulous data management
• Participate in the preparation and collation of data for scientific publications
• Ensure all health and safety legislation is adhered to
• Maintain laboratory stock materials
• Test laboratory equipment

• A BSc or equivalent in Biological, Earth, or Environmental sciences, or a related discipline
• An interest in, and understanding of, plant-microbial interactions
• Experience in, and affinity with, field work
• Experience of analysis of plant and soil material for nutrients and carbon using CNS and SFA analysis
• Experience of analysis of soil microbial communities, in particular of DNA-based (sequencing) methods
• Good literacy and numeracy skills, and ability to present information in an accurate and appropriate format
• Effective interpersonal skills, including evidence of working collaboratively within teams and with non-academic stakeholders
• Self-reliant with ability to work to a high degree of independence
• Flexible attitude and interest in developing new experimental approaches and learning new techniques
• You value a diverse team and are willing to contribute actively to our inclusive and collaborative working culture
• Willingness to travel to field sites (within The Netherlands) and to work flexibly during intensive experimental periods
• Full Dutch driving licence

Speaking Dutch is not required but would help in communication with farmers and stakeholders.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 30.4 - 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months with a subsequent extension of an additional 36 months. The preferred starting date is November 1st 2022.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,818 to € 3,764 (scale 8). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Education and research officer 3 is applicable. For this position we can not sponsor a visa. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management or Dutch languange, and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The research at IBED aims to unravel how ecosystems function in all their complexity, and how they change due to natural processes and human activities. At its core lies an integrated systems approach to study biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. IBED adopts this systems approach to ecosystems, addressing abiotic (soil and water quality) and biotic factors (ecology and evolution of plants, animals, and microorganisms), and the interplay between those. The IBED vision includes research encompassing experimental and theoretical approaches at a wide variety of temporal and spatial scales, i.e. from molecules and microorganisms to patterns and processes occurring at the global scale. The current position will be based in the Department of Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics, which covers a breath of research that focusses on the functioning and dynamics of abiotic and biotic components of (geo)ecosystems across landscapes in time. You will be part of the Plant-Soil Ecology laboratory, a vibrant research group that actively values and promotes inclusivity, equity, and diversity. We study the mechanisms through which plants and soil organisms interact, how these interactions are affected by global change, and what the consequences are for ecosystem functioning. We use a range of experimental approaches and techniques, and study natural and managed ecosystems. You will also be part of the IBED Laboratory and Infrastructure Team, and acquire skills in using a range of analytical equipment and approaches central to assessing ecosystem response to global change.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Prof. Franciska de Vries, f.t.devries@uva.nl
• Dr. Eva de Rijke, e.derijke@uva.nl