Research technician toxicology

Pollution is all around us and may affect the health of humans and the environment. Our research group Environmental Health and Toxicology of the A-LIFE department within the VU investigates these potential harmful effects by using in vitro cell models, and more complex systems such as zebrafish and C. elegans. We are looking for a skilled research technician to support our research within international, multidisciplinary research projects. Your job will be to (further) develop (eco-)toxicological test approaches with zebrafish and C. elegans and to apply biochemical assays, molecular techniques and histopathology work.

Your duties

• Assist in the design and execution of studies with zebrafish and C. elegans models
• Evaluate new methods and implement assay improvements for (eco-)toxicological research
• Contribute to writing protocols and reports
• Help to run a smooth and well-organized lab
• Support in teaching during practical courses
• Assist in the supervision and guidance of students in the lab

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel with a minimum gross monthly salary of €3,072 (scale 8) and a maximum of €4,103 (scale 8) dependent on your experience, based on a full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system (Education/Research Officer 3) and is vacant for 0.8-1.0 FTE.

The initial employment contract will have a duration of one year. After a successful evaluation permanent employment will be granted.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave
• child daycare facilities available on campus

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 31,000 students. We employ over 5,000 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means working together with students, PhD candidates and scientists who are focused on their discipline, yet also have a broad view of the world. We are proud of the collegial working environment within the faculty, which is characterised by an ambitious and pragmatic attitude with commitment to the bigger picture. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex social issues for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from genetics to pharmaceuticals and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research cover the full breadth of the natural sciences. Scientific teaching and research is highly experimental, technical, computational and interdisciplinary in nature. This is why we collaborate extensively with leading research institutes and industry. The faculty has over 11,000 students studying across 40 educational programmes and employs over 1,600 staff spread over 10 scientific departments, making us the largest science faculty in the Netherlands.

About A-LIFE
The position is offered within the Amsterdam Institute of Life and Environment (A-LIFE) department at the Faculty of Science of the VU University Amsterdam. The section Environmental Health and Toxicology focuses on understanding the influence of environmental factors on human and environmental health. We use this knowledge for innovative research and education.