Research Officer/Technician Biogeochemistry, Soil and Vegetation (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

Research Officer/Technician Biogeochemistry, Soil and Vegetation (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)
Research Officer/Technician Biogeochemistry, Soil and Vegetation (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

Published	Deadline	Location
27 Jan	28 Feb	Utrecht

Will you be our new colleague with a background in ecology and a sound expertise in the analysis of vegetation, soil and water? Check the vacancy!
Job description

The GeoLab, the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, is looking for a research officer. The laboratory hosts a range of advanced analytical instruments tailored to Sustainability, Water and Earth System Sciences research.
We are looking for a research technician with a background in ecology and a sound expertise in the analysis of vegetation, soil and water. You will be employed at the interface between the GeoLab and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. The main work location is the experimental laboratory, where diverse activities such as incubations and extractions are performed. The laboratory is equipped with various spectrometers for the analysis of solid and liquid samples, and you will perform analyses, instruct and advise users and keep protocols up to date. In addition to the laboratory work, you will also participate in the preparation and conduction of field work. Tasks include maintenance and storage of the equipment, instructing and advising scientists and students. Moreover, you will also be a linking pin to the botanical gardens, supporting the greenhouse experiments there. In addition, you are expected to be involved in method development and to support colleagues if necessary.

Specifications

• 28—40 hours per week
• €3098—€4257 per month
• Utrecht View on Google Maps

Utrecht University

Requirements
We seek a highly motivated candidate with expertise in the ecological analysis of vegetation, soil and water and a keen interest in advising and supporting students and scientists with respect to analytical research questions in this field. In addition:

• You hold a MSc in environmental sciences, ecology or a related field or you have a similar level through experience;
• You like to work at the interface between scientific research and technical support.
• You are a team player and contribute with your expertise to the projects of BSc and MSc students and PhD candidates in the laboratory.
• As you will work in a dynamic and international environment of different research groups in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, you are able to communicate well with scientists and supporting staff in English and preferably also in Dutch. International candidates will be helped to acquire Dutch language skills in the first two years of their appointment.

Conditions of employment

We offer a temporary position (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment. Permanent employment will be offered based upon good performance, according to the Faculty’s performance indicators, after one year. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €3,098 and €4,257 (scale 9.0 - 10.9 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year.
In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University .

Employer

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilization of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty of Geosciences is organized in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. At the Copernicus Institute, our goal is to have a positive impact on the transition towards a sustainable future. The Copernicus Institute has had an excellent research evaluation in 2021 and the institute takes pride in maintaining its leading position in national and international sustainability research, and by developing new, internationally oriented teaching programmes.
The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and carries out research in close collaboration with scientists, students, PhD candidates and postdocs. This covers a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work on different types of sample materials like rocks, soils, sediments, water and air. Our work comprises the preparation of samples as well as the subsequent analysis by means of various (advanced) analytical techniques. In order to be able to respond on changes in research, we develop our own new applications, if necessary.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr Katja Heister (Head of the GeoLab) via [email protected] or Prof Dr Merel Soons (Professor of Land Use and Biodiversity) via [email protected] . 

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Application procedure
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 
To apply, please send your application via the ‘apply’ button. Please include:

• your motivation letter;
• your CV, including the contact details of two referees.

Acquisition to this vacancy is not appreciated.