Chemical Laboratory Assistant - NIOO-KNAW - Wageningen

The Department of Terrestrial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW is searching for a technician to support our research on terrestrial ecosystems in a changing world. We focus on organisms and communities living above- and belowground and study their responses to climate, biodiversity, and land-use change.  We are looking for a technician with expertise in chemical analyses in the laboratory and with an interest in ecology.

As a chemical research technician, you will be responsible for preparing and analysing soil and plant samples, as well as interpreting and presenting chemical research data. You will adopt and develop both existing and new (chemical) techniques. Together with a team of research technicians you will operate and maintain the laboratory, order materials, and develop and update protocols for laboratory analyses. You will work together closely with researchers, postdocs and PhD candidates to support their research projects and assist with sample collection and/or conducting experiments in greenhouses and the field.

What you will be contributing

We expect you to be a team player, work well with multiple researchers and technicians, and have good and open communication skills in Dutch and English. In addition, you have:

• Completed HBO education (University of Applied Sciences) with expertise in chemical analyses
• Interest and proven knowledge in one or more of the following techniques: Autoanalyzer (CFA Continuous Flow Analyzer), Element Analyzer (total C and N contents), ICP-OES (Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer), TOC Analyzer (Total [Organic/Inorganic] Carbon) and Liquid and Gas Chromatography.
• Skills to process and analyse data, organise databases and communicate on laboratory results with researchers.
• Skills to develop and use laboratory techniques independently
• Organisational skills in order to plan your own work and keep a good overview of running projects

• A driving license B
• Interest in carrying out field work and greenhouse experiments.

What do we offer?

A one-year position (0.8 FTE) in the dynamic department of Terrestrial Ecology, which can become permanent after one year. Preferred starting date: June or July 2025.

Your workplace

You will be working at the department of Terrestrial Ecology at NIOO-KNAW, consisting of a dynamic and collaborative group of researchers and technicians from diverse backgrounds. Within the department, you will be part of a team of five technicians that work together closely. The team has expertise ranging from molecular to chemical analyses, and from conducting lab work to experiments in the field. For your position, you will be primarily based in the chemical laboratory where you will also collaborate with technicians from other departments to operate and maintain the laboratory, as well as to implement new techniques. NIOO-KNAW has modern laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment.

More information
Please contact:

Ciska Veen, Head of department, c.veen@nioo.knaw.nl

Koen Verhoeven, Senior scientist, k.verhoeven@nioo.knaw.nl

Information about the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) can be found at the website: http://www.nioo.knaw.nl
 

Application procedure

For the application, please include a cover letter summarizing motivation and experience, and your CV. As part of the subsequent procedure, we may ask for names of 2 professional referees (name, address, telephone & email). Please submit your application via the webportal. Deadline for application is 23 April 2025. Applications received later than this date will not be considered. Interviews will be held in person or online, depending on the location of the candidate, and will be scheduled during the week of the 8th of May.