Laboratory Technician Environmental Sciences

Are you excited to contribute to groundbreaking research in the field of the natural environment, for example, studying the nitrogen crises or the effects of global warming? Are you not afraid to take on both substantive and instrumental challenges with advanced analytical equipment? We are looking for a skilled research technician with expertise in physical-chemistry and strong affinity with biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

About the position
In this position the emphasis is on chemical analysis of soil, biota and water samples using techniques like segmented flow analysis, ICP-OES, TOC and EA. The research results obtained are used, among other things, to assess the composition and quality of soils, biota and water to study processes in the natural environment. You will, for example, participate in research related to monitoring the effects of drought on soil health or the stability of coral reef ecosystems.

You work closely within the lab team and you support and act as their backup. You determine the priority of your activities in close consultation with the laboratory coordinators.

What are you going to do?
You will, for example, participate in research related to monitoring the effects of drought on soil health or the stability of coral reef ecosystems.

You work closely within the lab team and you support and act as their backup. You determine the priority of your activities in close consultation with the laboratory coordinators.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Executing chemical analysis of vegetation, soil and surface water for various parameters such as nutrients (segmented flow analyser) and elements (EA, TOC, ICP-OES, AAS);
• Supporting scientific personnel in designing science-based experiments, applying, adapting and developing analytical measurement and sample processing methods;
• Performing analyses and periodic instrumental maintenance;
• Supporting and instructing (MSc and BSc) students, PhD candidates and postdocs in their experiments in the laboratory and critical evaluation of the results obtained;
• You are jointly responsible for laboratory management and the safety and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities.

Your profile
You have a curious and engaged attitude and willing to learn more about the scientific background of the experiments that are carried out in the laboratory. You are able to work independently and have a practical attitude, in which you strive for knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts. You are not afraid to be assertive and have good communication skills and command of the English language

Your experience and profile:

• You have a BSc (HBO) or MSc education in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, earth and environmental sciences or related discipline;
• You have at least 1 year demonstrable experience in laboratory analyses, preferably including troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of analytical equipment;
• Experience with working in an academic environment is considered an advantage;
• Interest in analytical and instrumental challenges and motivated to produce accurate measurement data;
• You are able to work independently and have a practical attitude, whereby you strive for knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is October 1, 2025.

If proven suitable for the job and unchanged financial and organizational circumstances, the contract can be converted into a permanent employment contract.

For this position the University Job Classification profile Education/Research Officer 3 is applicable.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,382 to € 4,484 (scale 8). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. 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, handling stress 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 registration at UvA- 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.

Where you will work
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 University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities. Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.

The position will be based in IBED’s Laboratory and Infrastructure (L&I) Department.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the ‘Apply’-button on the vacancy’s webpage. We accept applications until and including 31 August 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the apply link will be considered.

Due to Dutch legislation, the UvA is for non-scientific positions obliged to recruit within the EU. If you are not a EU-citizen (including Norway and Switzerland) please do not apply for this vacancy.

The interviews will be held in the course of September.

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

Dr. Johan Mols, Insitute Manager, email: j.b.mols@uva.nl