Research Assistant: Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance

Contribute to the analytical workflows of the Aquatic Ecology Department by conducting an audit of the existing catalogue of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In this position within the Department of Aquatic Ecology, you will work with the research assistant team to develop and update SOPs for a range of aquatic ecology laboratory and field procedures.

The initiative is part of a wider refresh of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes within the department and NIOO-KNAW, including sample labelling, sample storage, reporting templates, and data storage. You will work in these areas as necessary to strengthen the connectivity of this workflow and collaborate with research assistants from other departments to improve consistency of QA/QC processes across NIOO-KNAW.

What you will be contributing

• Background in conducting laboratory analyses, affinity with optimizing work and data flows, and an interest in aquatic sciences.
• Quality-oriented, attentive to detail, and experienced in working with and writing SOPs.
• Recently graduated with an MSc or a University of Applied Science degree (HBO).
• Communicates well in written and spoken English and enjoys working with a team.
• Motivated to complete work independently but willing to ask for help when required.

What do we offer?

We offer an attractive position within the Department of Aquatic Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) located in Wageningen.

The department has five research groups supported by five research assistants. Practical work includes procedures such as water chemistry and elemental analysis, pollutant analysis, field limnology, identification of aquatic phytoplankton and zooplankton, and operation of the experimental facilities.

About NIOO

The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) is a national research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). At NIOO, ecological research is carried out on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. The institute stimulates ecological research in the Netherlands and shares ecological knowledge with society.

Terms of employment

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.