Research Officer in Environmental Sciences

Join the GeoLab, the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, as a Research Officer and support scientists and students with their environmental and ecological research!

Your job
At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, we carry out research for the transition to a sustainable future. Among others, we conduct research on sustainable land and water use, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and quality of the living environment. As a Research Officer, you will be part of the GeoLab of the Copernicus Institute. The GeoLab offers state-of-the-art analytical techniques and houses a range of advanced analytical instruments tailored to research in sustainability, water, and earth sciences.

Your role is to support research activities in the lab, field, and under controlled conditions (e.g., greenhouse experiments). You will be the interface between the GeoLab and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. This means that you will instruct and advise scientists and students from the Copernicus Institute on research methods, and develop and update protocols for sampling and analyses.

You will also perform analyses yourself in the experimental laboratory, where activities such as plant trait measurements, but also nutrient extraction from soil, incubations, and nutrient analyses in vegetation, soil, and water are conducted. In addition to laboratory work, you will participate in the preparation and execution of field work. The tasks include maintenance and storage of field equipment, fieldwork logistics, and instructing and advising scientists and students. Additionally, you will be the contact person with the botanical gardens and support greenhouse experiments conducted there. You are expected to participate actively in the development of methods for research in environmental sciences and ecology, and to be ready to support GeoLab colleagues when needed.

You have proven experience in conducting lab work and field work and developing and updating protocols in the fields of environmental sciences and/or ecology. With high motivation and expertise in the analysis of vegetation, soil, and water, you can advise and support students and scientists regarding analytical research questions. Additionally:

• You have a degree at higher vocational education (HBO) level or a Master's in ecology or environmental sciences.
• You have experience in the analysis of chemical compounds (such as nutrients) in plants, soil, and/or water samples. Experience with plant identification and/or plant trait measurements is appreciated.
• You have proven experience with relevant laboratory techniques such as sample preparation, soil extractions, elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, and/or spectrophotometric analyses.
• You have at least three years of work experience in research or research support.
• You enjoy working at the interface of scientific research and technical support.
• You have good communication, organisational, and teamwork skills, enabling you to manage a variety of research projects from different scientists.
• You want to contribute to a sustainable world and the science that supports the transition to a more sustainable future.
• Since you will work in an international environment, you can communicate well with scientists and support staff in English and preferably also in Dutch. International candidates will be assisted in acquiring Dutch language skills within the first two years of their employment.

• An employment contract for 12 months with the prospect of a permanent employment contract;
• a working week of 28-32 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,537 and €4,860 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 9 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. 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 strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation 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 organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable future. The Copernicus Institute received an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and is proud to maintain its leading position in national and international sustainability research and develop new, internationally oriented educational programmes.

The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and conducts research in close collaboration with scientists, students, PhD candidates, and postdocs. This includes a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work with various types of sample materials such as rocks, soils, sediments, vegetation, water, and air. Our work includes preparing samples and subsequent analysis using various (advanced) analytical techniques. To respond to changes in research, we develop our own new applications when necessary.