Vacature
Lab assistant - technician for the soil biology lab
Your job
Are you passionate about soil biology and its crucial role in supporting ecosystems and sustainable land management? Do you enjoy hands-on work in a laboratory and contributing to innovative research? Join our dynamic Soil Biology Group as a Lab Assistant – Technician.
We seek to strengthen our team with the appointment of a laboratory technician that can support the daily lab activities. As a member of our research group, you will contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the influence of soil biota in the chemical and physical processes within the soil ecosystem, and how these interactions impact soil functions and soil health.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Performing laboratory analyses such as assessing water-holding capacity, conducting extractions (CaCl2, KCl), digestion, and analyzing soil organic matter (e.g., LOI, Pox-C) and preparation of samples; sieving, drying, grinding, colloid milling (50 µm), weighing (microbalance).
- Preparing nematode extractions and preparation of slides for research purposes.
- Assisting in field campaigns by collecting soil samples from diverse soil types and land-use systems.
- Supporting education activities by preparing materials for laboratory practicals.
The Soil Biology group integrates knowledge on soil biota across a range of scales from the microbe to the globe. Our mission is “to explore the potential of life to increase the quality of soil”.
Soils are among humankind’s most precious natural resources, but their sustainable use is under serious threat. Our aim is to advance and share knowledge on how soil life can improve the quality and functioning of soils in agroecosystems around the world, and how land management may impact soil life. Our ambition is to cover research across a range of scales and levels of detail to ensure dissemination of fundamental insights: starting with interactions at small-scale hotspots in the soil (in particular the rhizosphere and detritusphere), through management-oriented research at the plot and field scale, towards policy-relevant research at the farm, landscape and regional scale. The soil biology laboratory supports both on-going research of the Soil Biology Group (PhD projects and larger projects) and external analyses. In addition, the lab oversees approximately 25-30 MSc thesis projects per year and contributes to the Soil Biology education programmes at both BSc and MSc levels.
Your qualities
We are looking for a candidate with the following qualities:
- A secondary vocational education degree or BSc technical degree in soil biology, soil ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field.
- Experience or familiarity with laboratory techniques in soil science research is an advantage.
- Affinity for soil biology and related disciplines.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Prior exposure to research or academic environments is appreciated.
We offer you
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.
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 20th 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.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact dr. Paolo Di Lonardo (paolo.dilonardo@wur.nl) or Prof. Rachel Creamer (rachel.creamer@wur.nl ) by e-mail.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Edgar Tijhuis, corporate recruiter, edgar.tijhuis@wur.nl
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 April 21st 2025.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & 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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below 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.