Technician Analytical Chemistry GC/LC-MS

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. This is done in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavour, food & agri, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
 
The mission of the Plant Physiology group is to elucidate signal-transduction pathways that are employed in a plant’s biotic interaction with the environment, with a focus on the role of plant metabolites. With an omics toolbox we identify metabolites but also genes and proteins in plants and insects that are important for the interactions between the two organisms. Our research is done by a multidisciplinary team of international researchers, PhD candidates and technicians with expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. We often collaborate with other departments in the institute and with external partners, such as universities and the (plant-breeding) industry.
 
To strengthen support of the Plant Physiology team we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated “Technician Analytical Chemistry GC- and LC-MS” who will collaborate with, and support researchers in the isolation and quantitative analysis of plant metabolites and other signaling compounds such as hormones, using LC/GC-MS. 
 
You will contribute to the development and refinement of methods for these analyses (0.6 FTE). As part of your work, you will also contribute to maintaining the institute's Mass Spectrometry Core Facility (0.2 FTE – every Monday) by working as part of the Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules team to maintain the various analytical platforms. This core facility provides laboratory space, mass spectrometry services, and data analysis infrastructure to the SILS institute. 
 
You are expected

•    to perform sample preparations, measurements, and data analysis tasks for very diverse projects for (un)targeted metabolomics;
•    to interact with students (BSc and MSc), scientists (PhD and Post-Doc) at varying knowledge levels of

     mass spectrometry-based -omics;
•    to be involved in teaching of practical courses, as well as on occasion participate in the supervision of internship students in the lab;
•    to be involved in developing and applying new sample preparation techniques, LC/GC-MS analysis approaches for

     analysing small molecules;
•    to carry out general tasks required for an operational lab, such as ordering and organising chemicals and equipment;
•    to contribute to the maintenance and monitor performance of the institute’s LC/GC-MS platforms, core facility laboratory and

     data analysis infrastructure in collaboration with Mass Spectrometry of Biomolecules (0.2 FTE).
 

What do you have to offer?

You are a team player with a flexible attitude who enjoys the dynamic environment of a university. Preferentially you are passionate about science and interested in working in a supportive role in an international setting. You are not afraid of a challenge, are a creative problem-solver who likes to get things done, equipped with perseverance when things don’t go according to plan. You enjoy working with people and look forward becoming part of our team. Finally, you are self-motivated, willing to learn new skills and in possession of solid time management skills, as you will to organize your time working on different research projects and tasks. 
 
Your experience and profile
•    an Applied University (HBO) or University degree with an analytical chemistry or life sciences background; 
•    proven experience with analytical techniques such as GC-MS or LC-MS;
•    affinity with the biochemistry or metabolism of plants;
•    you exhibit the highest degree of reliability and accuracy to assure scientific quality;
•    affinity with teaching and supervising students;
•    excellent communication skills in English and Dutch.

Our offer

We offer you a temporary employment contract for 30.4 hours a week, for the duration of 12 months preferably starting in October-December 2024. A permanent contract follows if we assess your performance positively.
 
Your salary, depending on your relevant work experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between € 3.072 and € 4.640 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.
 
Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? More information can be found here. 
 
About us 

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds and scientific excellence.
 
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 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 Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centred on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
 
Do you want to know more about our organization? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
    
Contact

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization?                 
Please contact: Prof. Rob Schuurink, e-mail r.c.schuurink@uva.nl
          
Application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. Due to Dutch legislation, the UvA is for non-scientific positions obliged to recruit within the EU. If you are not a EU-citizen (including Norway and Switzerland) please do not apply for this vacancy.

You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 1st September 2024. We aim to invite potential candidates for interviews in the 1st half of September 2024.
 
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 names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

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.