Research Technician in project on role of soil fauna in regenerative agriculture

The Ecology & Evolution section at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is accepting applications for a Research Technician position with focus on soil animal ecology. The section Ecology & Evolution answers fundamental ecological and evolutionary questions regarding the relationship between organisms and their environment at the full array of hierarchical levels: from molecular ecology to ecosystem research. This position is part of an ReGeNL project on the role of soil fauna in supporting multifunctionality in regenerative agriculture.

In September 2024 a new, large-scale project focused on regenerative agriculture in the Netherlands has started. Together with regenerative Dutch farmers, ReGeNL is developing a future-proof agricultural sector in which agriculture goes hand in hand with soil improvement and nature restoration, and a good revenue model for farmers. Between now and 2030, ReGeNL will start the transition to regenerative agriculture with 1000 farmers. The aim is to make regenerative agriculture the new normal by 2040.

As part of this project, we will monitor and model a range of different regenerative agricultural systems to understand which combinations of practices work for a range of agricultural, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. In the first phase of the project this will be through assessing practices applied by pioneering regenerative farmers. These outcomes assessed include; soil health, water and air quality, biodiversity and socio-economic goals such as farm income, citizen involvement, animal welfare and much more. Moreover, we will study how performance on these outcomes can be valued in food system governance.

The project aims to be an accelerator for the transition to a regenerative, profitable and socially supported agricultural sector. It is embedded in a large consortium of partners from farming, processing to retail, banking and education. To achieve this exciting and interdisciplinary programme, we are looking for a research technician. You role will be to collected, together with a PhD student, the necessary data to quantify the role of soil fauna in supporting a range of soil functions for eight different regenerative agricultural business systems, working with 40 plus regenerative farms. The research will include questions like: 1) How do different soil fauna communities contribute to multi-functionality? 2) Can we recommend different combinations of management practices to enhance soil fauna diversity and associated multi-functionality? 3) What are the best indicators for wider monitoring of soil fauna and their functions in regenerative systems?

Your duties
As research technician you will work to support research within the ReGeNL project, in the section Ecology & Evolution. The role will encompass a variety of tasks including:

• conduct field and lab research
• sampling and extraction of soil invertebrates
• identification of soil invertebrates and their anatomical structures
• measurements and quantification of soil invertebrate diversity

• MLO or HLO diploma or equivalent with specialization in ecology, environmental science, agricultural science, or an adjacent field
• hands-on experience or affinity with at least two of the following activities:
  
  • field work
  • soil sampling
  • species identification
• enthusiasm to work in academic teams
• motivation to work in a transdisciplinary project with many project partners and farmers
• open to continuously learning new techniques
• work independently and systematically towards deadlines
• ability to communicate in both written and spoken English and Dutch
• drivers licence

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 2.899,00 (Scale 7) and maximum € 4.298,00 (Scale 8) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Education/Research Officer. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 0.5 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year, to which at least 3 more years can be added.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• child daycare facilities available on campus

About the institute

The sub-department A-LIFE / Ecology & Evolution offers a stimulating international research environment with world-class academic reputation, and excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Research in the department covers a wide range of fundamental and applied research topics, including stress ecology, species interactions, evolutionary adaptation, symbiotic interactions, climate change and ecosystem functioning. Our strength lies in the ability to integrate studies of adaptive changes across the entire range of biological organizational levels.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter (maximum one page) where you provide a motivation statement, a detailed qualification statement regarding the positions’ requirements before 7 February 2025.The job interviews are planned for early February, when possible please take them into account when applying for the position.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.