We have a job opening for a research technician for our physical-chemical laboratories. We are looking for a skilled and experienced research technician with expertise in stable isotope analysis and affinity with biogeochemistry of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) is one of eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. Our scientific approach aims at a better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems at all relevant levels, from genes to climate change, using a truly multi-disciplinary approach, and based on both experimental and theoretical research. Scientific focus is on aquatic (both freshwater and marine) and terrestrial ecosystems, population and evolution biology, paleo-ecology, theoretical and computational ecology.

What are you going to do?

In this position the emphasis is on stable isotope analysis using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) coupled to various elemental and gas inlet systems. Furthermore, you will serve as a backup for other environmental chemical lab activities. You will play an important role in research related to, for example, the understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycles in various ecosystems or determining the food networks of deep sea sponges and tropical coral reef ecosystems in relation to climate change. You will work closely together with the lab team and share responsibility for the management and safety of laboratories and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities. You will determine the priorities of these activities in close consultation with the laboratory coordinators and institute manager. The tasks consist of supporting environmental chemical and aquatic research, such as:

• stable isotope analysis of environmental samples using IRMS coupled to various inlet systems including elemental analyzers (EA, TOC) and gas (chromatography) analyzers (gas pre-concentrator, GC-MS);
• testing and implementing new analytical and sample preparation methodologies in the laboratory;
• instructing BSc-, MSc and PhD-students in the lab;
• monitoring order and safety in the laboratory and contribute to the management of research material and equipment.

• BSc (HBO) or MSc education in a technical lab related field such as analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or another advanced technical degree;
• at least 3 years of demonstrable laboratory experience in inorganic analytical chemistry;
• experience with stable isotope analysis (IRMS) combined with TOC, EA and/or GC is considered as an advantage;
• experience with troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of advanced analytical equipment;
• prepared to take on analytical and instrumental challenges and striving for accurate data;
• curious and committed attitude with genuine interest in research and willingness to learn more about the scientific background of the experiments conducted in the laboratory;
• a team player with a high degree of independence and a firm and practical attitude, who seeks knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts;
• good communication skills and command of the English language;
• non-Dutch speaking candidates are required to learn the Dutch language within two years.

We offer a temporary contract for 32-38  hours a week, preferably starting as soon as possible, preferably Autumn 2021. A permanent contract subsequently follows if we assess your performance positively. The job profile Education/Research Officer at level 3 is applicable.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,656 to €3,548 (scale 8) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

University of Amsterdam

With over 6,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science - Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

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.