The GeoLab, the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, has a vacancy for a Research Officer. The laboratory offers state-of-the-art analysis techniques and hosts a range of advanced analytical instruments tailored to Sustainability, Water and Earth System Sciences research.

We are looking for a Research Officer with a background in ecology and a solid expertise in the analysis of vegetation, soil and water. The prospective candidate will be employed at the interface between the GeoLab and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. From this position, the candidate will support research in the lab, in the field and the greenhouse. The candidate will carry out analyses in the experimental laboratory, where a range of activities such as incubations and vegetation, soil and water nutrient analyses  are performed. The candidate will also instruct and advise scientists and students and keep protocols up to date. In addition to the laboratory work, the candidate will also participate in the preparation and conduction of field work. Tasks include maintenance and storage of the equipment, instructing and advising scientists and students. Moreover, he/she will also be a linking pin to the botanical gardens, supporting the greenhouse experiments there. The candidate is expected to be actively involved in method development and to be willing to support colleagues if necessary.

• You hold a MSc in environmental sciences, ecology or a related field or you have a similar level through experience;
• You like to work at the interface between scientific research and technical support.
• You are a team player and contribute with your expertise to the projects of BSc and MSc students and PhD candidates in the laboratory.
• As you will work in a dynamic and international environment of different research groups in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, you are able to communicate well with scientists and supporting staff in English and preferably also in Dutch. International candidates will be helped to acquire Dutch language skills in the first two years of their appointment.

We offer a temporary position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment. Permanent employment will be offered based upon good performance, according to the Faculty’s performance indicators, after one year. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,098 and €4,257 (scale 9 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.

In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilization of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty of Geosciences is organized in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. At the Copernicus Institute, our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition towards a sustainable future. The Copernicus Institute has had an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and the institute takes pride in maintaining its leading position in national and international sustainability research, and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programmes.

The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and carries out research in close collaboration with scientists, students, PhD candidates and postdocs. This covers a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work on different types of sample materials like rocks, soils, sediments, vegetation, water and air. Our work comprises the preparation of samples as well as the subsequent analysis by means of various (advanced) analytical techniques. In order to be able to respond on changes in research, we develop our own new applications, if necessary.