Technical Assistant Molecular Ecology

We are looking for

Are you just as excited as we are about the fascinating world of microorganisms, and how they can help us improving human, animal and environmental health? As a technical assistant with experience in molecular biology, you will join the Molecular Ecology research team at the Laboratory of Microbiology of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), where you will also be part of a new research facility called UNLOCK that enables innovative research on microbiomes. Are you our new colleague?

As research technician you will work in a large team of motivated researchers, technicians and students. They are developing and applying state of the art research tools to investigate the occurrence and functioning of microorganisms in interaction with each other and their environment.

What will you do?

• molecular analysis of microbial composition and function in a broad range of different natural and man-made environments (i.e. DNA, RNA and protein based analyses)
• logistics and organization of laboratories. This means that you assure that all materials are available and ready to use.
• you will act as a coach for our students who have courses in the lab. Think of explaining how to use the equipment, guide them in the safety procedures and the use of personal protection, etc.

We ask

We are looking for a candidate that has:

• a Higher Education degree (BSc or MSc) or equivalent;
• experience with molecular analyses of microbiomes;
• experience or wants to learn about single cell-targeted approaches;
• fluency in English (both spoken and written);
• good communication and presentation skills;
• the ability to work in international and multidisciplinary research teams.

Unfortunately it is for this position, due to Dutch immigration law, not possible to obtain a working permit when you are from a non-EU country.

We offer

We offer a job at an organization that will challenge you and allow you to develop professionally. As Technical Research Assistant you will be part of an ambitious team working on a wide range of issues with plenty of scope for initiative. Personal input and responsibility are an integral part of our culture.
We offer a temporary position with an average working time of 38 hours per week for the period of 1 year with the possibility of extension with 3 years (total maximum of 4 years) after successful evaluation.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 2376,-. and € 3208,-. for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the

Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU)

(scale 7). Additionally, a contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief , known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

More information

Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Prof.dr. Hauke Smidt, telephone: +31 317483102 or by e-mail: [email protected] .

For more information about the procedure, please contact Joes van Meurs, HR adviser, telephone +31 317 480101 or by e-mail [email protected] .

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including Wednesday June 29th 2022.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page . A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment .

We are

The mission of Wageningen University and Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.