Research Assistant NIOO Collection

Are you a dedicated and detail-oriented technician with a passion for microbiology and molecular biology? Our research team in the Department of Microbial Ecology at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) is looking for a Research Assistant Microbiology who will support and execute a range of research projects.

What will you do?

In this position, you will work on the documentation, duplication and characterization of our bacterial culture collection. You will be responsible for:

• Collection and Freezer Management: Maintaining and organizing our collection of microbes, plants, and databases (including Biolomics), ensuring clear and reliable storage.
• Project and Research Support: Assisting with ongoing experiments and research activities, providing both technical and organizational support.
• Analysis, reporting and presentation of obtained results
• Supervision of students

Technical skills (project-based):

For research projects, you bring experience in:

• Microbiology
• Molecular biology (i.e. genomics)
• Database management
• Bioassays with bacteria and plants

Who are we looking for?

A self-reliant and proactive team player who works accurately, can plan efficiently, experience in data analyses and enjoys contributing to the quality and continuity of our research projects in a diverse and multidisciplinary work environment. Do you recognize yourself in this profile? Apply now and strengthen our team!

More information

Please contact Jos Raaijmakers: j.raaijmakers@nioo.knaw.nl

Application procedure
For the application, please include a cover letter summarizing motivation and experience, and your CV. Deadline for application is 14 May 2026. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.  

About NIOO
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3.057,- and the maximum salary is €3.985,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 7 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).  

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.