Research Assistant
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CYANOSPECTRA – Early Detection of Toxic Cyanobacteria in Aquatic Ecosystems for Enhanced Water Quality Management
Toxic cyanobacterial blooms close swimming areas and threaten drinking-water supplies, so detecting them early matters. The CYANOSPECTRA project detects these organisms in lakes and waterways from the spectroscopic signatures of their photosynthetic machinery. In 2027 the project moves from the lab towards practice. As a Research Assistant, you will help validate this technology together with partners from the water sector and academia, and contribute to laying the groundwork for a startup.
- Onderzoeksgebouw VU
- Amsterdam
- 0.8 / 1
- Research
Your duties
- collect water samples in the field and grow cultures of cyanobacteria and algae in the lab
- measure and analyse the fluorescence and absorption fingerprints of blooms
- test and validate the technology together with water managers and industry partners
- contribute to outreach and to the preparation of a startup
Your profile
- an MSc degree in biology, biophysics, environmental science, chemistry or a related field
- hands-on lab experience; experience with microalgae or cyanobacteria, or with absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, is a plus
- experience with data analysis, for example in Python or R
- enthusiasm for working with people outside academia and for fieldwork
- good command of English
What do we offer?
Scale 10 (Researcher 4, €3,706–€5,760 gross per month), at least 0.8 FTE, for one year. You will join a small, friendly research group within Biophysics of Photosynthesis at LaserLaB, working where research, technology and real-world water management meet. You will gain hands-on experience of how a lab discovery becomes a product.
About us
The Biophysics of Photosynthesis group
The Biophysics of Photosynthesis group is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam at the Faculty of Science. We use optical spectroscopy and structural methods to understand how photosynthetic organisms capture light and respond to their environment. We apply this knowledge to challenges such as water quality monitoring.
Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research.
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we attach great importance to the societal impact of our education and research. Personal development and social involvement are key parts of our vision on education, in which individual differences are seen as a strength. This allows us to develop innovations and insights that contribute to a better world.