Faculty/Services: Faculty of Science
Educational level: higher vocational education/university
Function type: Support Staff
Closing date: 31 July 2022
Vacancy number: 9739
Are you looking for a challenging job where your work contributes to ground-breaking research in the field of nature and the environment? Are you not afraid to take on both substantive and instrumental challenges with advanced analytical equipment? We are looking for an enthusiastic research analyst who will make a significant contribution to setting-up and lab supervision of environmental analysis projects for the research and education of the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics.
What are you going to do
You will play an important role in the analytical chemistry research of both natural and anthropogenic compounds in various environmental matrices such as soil, sediment, water and biota. You will work with advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation, such as pyrolysis coupled to GC-(high resolution) MS, and serve as a back-up for LC-MS instrumentation. These instruments are used to perform target and non-target screening of a wide range of chemicals, such as emerging contaminants (e.g. pesticides, flame retardants, PCBs), characterization of natural organic matter and biomarkers in soil and the analysis of natural or synthetic macromolecules such as lignin and microplastics. The research results obtained are used, among other things, to assess the composition and quality of soil and biota and to elucidate processes in the environment.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Instructing, supporting and supervising (PhD) students and postdocs in their laboratory research, from sample preparation to data analysis;
- Designing laboratory experiments such as degradation studies in collaboration with scientific personnel;
- Developing and optimizing methods for sample preparation and analysis;
- Apply commercial and in-house developed software tools to screen and identify unknown chemicals;
- Performing analyses, periodic instrumental maintenance, troubleshooting and planning;
What do you have to offer
You have a curious and committed attitude with a genuine interest in analytical methods and a willingness to learn more about the scientific background of the experiments performed in the laboratory. You are a team player and enjoy working closely with the analyst team, scientists and students. You will share responsibility for laboratory management and safety and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities. These activities and responsibilities are planned in direct consultation with the laboratory coordinator.
Your experience and profile:
- BSc (HBO) or MSc training in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or a comparable technical lab-related training;
- You have at least 1 year demonstrable laboratory experience in analytical chemistry including troubleshooting and maintenance of analytical equipment;
- Experience with GC and/or GC-MS with different injection techniques, such as split/splitless, headspace and on-column injection;
- Experience with high resolution mass spectrometry and with sample prep techniques such as derivatization and ASE 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;
- You have good communication skills and command of the English language.
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. If we assess your performance positive, a permanent contract will follow.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,818,- to € 3,764,- (scale 8). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Research and Education Officer 3 is applicable. For this position we can not sponsor a visa. This means candidates outside Europe cannot apply, unless they have a residence permit. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
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 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 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.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Eva de Rijke, e.derijke@uva.nl
- T: +31 20 5257434
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 31 July 2022.
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;
The first round of interviews will be held in the first week of August (week 31).
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.
If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.
No agencies please.