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.

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.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 3.218 and the maximum salary is
4.298 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 8 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.

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.

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.

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.