Researcher in Geosciences

Faculty: Faculty of Geosciences
Department: GeoLab
Hours per week: 36 to 40
Application deadline: 20 September 2026

The GeoLab

The GeoLab is the central laboratory of the Faculty of Geosciences, where highly diverse research into the system Earth is conducted, often by using advanced analytical instruments. As analytical chemical technician for water analysis, you strengthen our team by analyzing the chemical composition of various types of water samples.

Your job

The GeoLab is divided into several lab units, each with its own expertise. In the water lab, you analyze the chemical composition of various types of water samples like, for example, freshwater, seawater and porewater. For the analysis, you make use of an ion chromatograph, a discrete analyzer for the spectrophotometric determination of, for example, macronutrients and a DOC analyzer for the measurement of dissolved carbon compounds. You conduct analyses for our students, scientists and sometimes external customers and report the processed results. You are responsible for the proper functioning of the equipment and the quality control of the measurements.

Research is constantly evolving and requires new or adapted methods. With your knowledge of the chemistry of complex solutions (i.e. seawater and porewater matrices), you will develop methods in cooperation with research faculty for the available analytical instruments that meet the need of the researchers better, and are preferably also more sustainable. Additionally, you advise lab users (e.g., students) on sample collection and pretreatment where necessary.

You work primarily in the water lab, where you will be supported by colleagues from the experimental lab. Vice versa, we expect you to be able to support your colleagues there as well when necessary. In the experimental lab, very diverse research is conducted on geological materials and environmental samples. Some examples of these experiments include reactions of organic compounds under conditions comparable to those on Mars and the release of phosphate from sediments under different circumstances. Within the experimental lab, we have a microbiology lab, cleanrooms and climate chambers available. Your contribution here will be primarily facilitative.

Preferably, you are already familiar with Emergency Response (in Dutch BHV) or are willing to become an Emergency Responder to strengthen our BHV team in the lab.

Your tasks include:

• You analyze the chemical composition of water samples using the analytical instruments available and report the processed data;

• You are responsible for the quality control of the measurements and the proper functioning of the instruments. This includes the preparation and use of standards and reagents. You can conduct daily maintenance independently;

• You develop new or modified methods together with researchers and can advise them about sample collection and pretreatment where necessary;

• You work closely together with your colleagues by supporting each other;

• You support fieldwork and lab courses and their preparation;

• Preferably, you are willing to act as an Emergency Responder in the event of an emergency.

Your qualities

We are looking for a motivated and particularly proactive thinking and flexible technician who enjoys working in a dynamic environment with varying research questions. Furthermore, we require the following from you:

• You have a higher professional education (BSc) in Analytical Chemistry or equivalent, or you have otherwise gained relevant experience, preferentially in the field of water analysis. Experience in the analysis of environmental and ecological samples is a benefit;

• You work and think independently and support scientists and students by thinking along with them;

• You are good at performing troubleshooting on equipment; technical insight and logical thinking are essential;

• You are proficient in working with Excel;

• You have preferably demonstrable experience in developing analytical methods;

• You work carefully, in an orderly manner and independently, but you are also a good team player;

• You possess excellent communication skills enabling you to address various stakeholders (scientists, students, and external clients) in both Dutch and English. We expect foreign candidates to master the Dutch language within two years;

• You are willing to act as an Emergency Responder in the event of a dangerous situation and obtain and keep the necessary certificates up to date.

Our offer

This vacancy is explicitly open to both experienced and qualified candidates as well as candidates who do not yet possess the required experience or qualifications. So, if you are interested but do not meet all the requirements yet, we invite you to apply as well.

We offer:

• a position (1.0 FTE) for 12 months that can be extended to a permanent position upon good performance;

• a working week of 36- 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.202 and €4.159 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));

• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;

• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth’s core to its surface, including man’s spatial and material utilisation of the Earth – always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The GeoLab is the main laboratory facility of the Faculty of Geosciences and carries out research in close collaboration with scientists, students, PhD students and postdocs. This covers a wide range of analytical techniques and experimental research. We work on different types of sample materials like rocks, soils, sediments, water and air. Our work comprises the preparation of samples as well as the subsequent analysis by means of various (advanced) analytical techniques. In order to be able to respond on changes in research, we develop our own new applications, if necessary. The GeoLab has the ambition to combine high-quality research with sustainable business operations.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr Katja Heister (head of GeoLab) via k.heister@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Vening Meineszgebouw B, the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 20 September 2026.