Chemical Analyst Environment and Ecosystems

Are you looking for a challenging job where your work contributes to groundbreaking research in the field of the natural environment? Are you not afraid to take on both substantive and instrumental challenges with advanced analytical equipment? We are looking for an enthusiastic chemical analyst who will make a significant contribution to the planning and execution of laboratory work for research and education of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics .

What are you going to do?

With the use of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) (linked to various elemental and gas inlet systems) you play an important role in current research ranging from the nitrogen crisis to unraveling food networks of coral reef ecosystems in relation to climate change. You work closely with the lab team and you support and act as a backup for colleagues. You determine the priority of your activities in close consultation with the laboratory coordinators.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Supporting scientific personnel in designing science-based experiments, applying, adapting and developing analytical measurement and sample processing methods;
• Performing analyses and periodic instrumental maintenance;
• Supporting and instructing (PhD) students and postdocs in their experiments in the laboratory and critical evaluation of the results obtained. 

What do you have to offer?

You have a curious and engaged attitude and willing to learn more about the scientific background of the experiments that are carried out in the laboratory. You are able to work independently and have a practical attitude, in which you strive for knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts. You are jointly responsible for laboratory management and the safety and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities.

Your experience and profile:

• BSc (HBO) or MSc education in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or comparable technical lab-related degree;
• You have at least 1 year demonstrable laboratory experience in analytical chemistry, preferably including troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of analytical equipment;
• Experience with stable isotope analysis (IRMS) in combination with TOC, EA and/or GC is considered an advantage;
• You are willing to take on analytical and instrumental challenges and strive for accurate measurement data;
• You are able to work independently and have a practical attitude, whereby you strive for knowledge exchange and collaboration with other experts.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. A permanent contract subsequently follows if we assess your performance positive. The job profile Education/Research Officer at level 3 is applicable.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,072 to € 4,103 (scale 8). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Education/Research Officer 3 is applicable. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Due to Dutch legislation, the UvA is for non-scientific positions obliged to recruit within the EU. If you are not a EU-citizen (including Norway and Switzerland) please do not apply for this vacancy.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with registration at UvA-Housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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   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. The University of Amsterdam has excellent high performance computing facilities . Furthermore, IBED has a dedicated computational support team with specialized knowledge of bioinformatics, (geo)database management and scientific programming. IBED also works with non-academic partners to deliver transdisciplinary science for society.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 21 April 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in  one single pdf file ):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held at the end of April 2024.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please