Research Assistant: Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance

What you will be doing 

Contribute to the analytical workflows of the Aquatic Ecology Department by conducting an audit of our existing catalogue of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Work with our 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 the NIOO-KNAW including sample labelling, sample storage, reporting templates, and data storage and you will work in these areas as necessary in order to strengthen the connectivity of this workflow. You will work with research assistants from other departments to improve consistency of QA/QC processes across the NIOO-KNAW. 

What you wil be contributing

You have a background in conducting laboratory analyses, affinity with working with optimizing work and data flows and an interest in aquatic sciences. You are quality-oriented, attentive to detail, and have experience in working with and writing SOPS. You have recently graduated with a Msc or a University of Applied Science degree (HBO). You can communicate well in written and spoken English and like to work with a team. You are 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 our experimental facilities.

More information

Contact: Lisette de Senerpont Domis L.deSenerpontDomis@nioo.knaw.nl.

Application procedure

Please send a CV and a one-page cover letter. The deadline for applications is 19 June 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 24 June 2026. 

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 we perform ecological research on biodiversity, climate change and sustainable use of land and water. We stimulate ecological research in the Netherlands and share our ecological knowledge with society. Everyone in our organisation is passionate about contributing to a sustainable world from their own area of expertise.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.029 and the maximum salary is € 3.623 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 6 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).  

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

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

Diversity & Inclusion

The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.