Research Analyst

Come and join the Ecology and Biodiversity (E&B) research group! As a (bio)chemical research analyst, you will assist us with ecological and biochemical research into the interactions between organisms under the influence of changing environmental factors, such as climate, land use, water management and increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. You will participate in national projects and provide support in research and education, thereby contributing to biodiversity research and knowledge about climate impact.

Your job
You will participate in national research projects studying soil subsidence and greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands, as well as being closely involved in research into sustainable options for remediating PFAS-contaminated soils. In addition, you will contribute to studies investigating how we can make above-ground and below-ground biodiversity ecosystems more resilient to the harmful effects of climate change.

You will work in a dynamic, international environment where you will collaborate with (international) students, PhD candidates, scientists and fellow analysts. With your expertise in (bio)chemical research methods, you will support E&B's research and education activities, both in the laboratory, in the greenhouses and in the field.

You can expect a varied range of tasks. Your main responsibilities will be:

• performing chemical analyses using ICP, GC, Continuous Flow Analyser (CFA) and Element Analyser (EA) for C and N determinations, all for the purpose of ongoing research projects;
• maintaining and managing equipment and laboratories;
• preparing plant and soil material for chemical analysis (grinding, weighing, drying and extracting);
• implementing and testing new analysis methods;
• managing chemicals and keeping track of orders;
• supervising and instructing students and PhD candidates;
• contributing to general lab organisation, together with the analyst team.

You contribute to an open, motivated and friendly atmosphere within the group. You tackle every challenge with a flexible and solution-oriented attitude, and switch quickly between different tasks. Do you recognise yourself in this description and do you feel at home in an international working environment? Then this vacancy is for you! You bring the following qualifications:

• at least a completed bachelor’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) in a relevant field;
• experience with chemical analyses of water, soil and plant samples using CF, ICP and EA, as well as gas analyses using GC;
• knowledge of biochemical techniques (PFLA, enzymatic assays, soil analyses, etc.) is a plus;
• strong communication and organisational skills;
• a valid driver’s license (B).

• A position for one year for 0.5 FTE, with the prospect of a permanent contract. For a period of three years, a temporary increase in the contract to 0.8-1.0 FTE is possible;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on education and experience, between €3,382 and €4,484 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 8 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. 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.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

Within the Ecology & Biodiversity research group, we study biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a changing world. In doing so, we help address urgent climate and environmental challenges. Our research focuses on:

1. the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning;
2. above- and belowground interactions; and
3. ecological scale processes.

We investigate the underlying fundamental mechanisms and how to translate these into applications. We do this on local to global scales, using a combination of experimental and observational research. We tackle challenging ecological questions by working together as an open, equal and empathetic team. These values are highly regarded in our research group; together, we create a working environment in which people and research can thrive.

For more information, please contact prof. dr. George Kowalchuk, via g.a.kowalchuk@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.