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About the position
At the Toxicology division we aim to improve the scientific basis of chemical risk assessment through fundamental and applied innovative research, teaching, and training in mechanistic and predictive toxicology and exposure assessment. As a research technician you will contribute to achieving these goals and strengthen our division. You will be working on different activities and projects, all focused on exposure assessment, either in (in vitro) toxicity assays or the environment.
Your job
Your work mostly involves chemical-analytical determinations of concentrations of various organic chemicals in different media. To this end, you will use LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV/FLD, GC-MS and GC-FID. Target chemicals include PFAS, pharmaceuticals, organohalogen compounds (e.g. pesticides, PCBs), industrial chemicals, and oils. Media of interest are exposure medium, cells or organisms from toxicity assays; and sediment, soil, water, air and organisms from the environment or laboratory experiments.
As a research technician, you are involved in different scientific projects simultaneously, supporting Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and (PhD) researchers. In all of the projects, we investigate human or environmental exposure to harmful chemicals. These projects may have a fundamental character (e.g., focused on the toxicity of specific chemicals), but may also be strictly applied (e.g., related to remediation of soils, water or sediment). In addition, part of your work involves consultancy activities (contract research for external partners) and general laboratory tasks, such as ordering materials and maintenance of instruments.
Your qualities
- You have a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (HBO)/HLO degree (or equivalent) in the field of analytical chemistry, with interest in environmental chemistry and/or toxicology/life sciences.
- You have at least five years of working experience in a similar position.
- You have good verbal and written communication skills in Dutch and English.
- You enjoy working in a team and supporting colleagues but you are also able to work independently.
- Experience with chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS) is essential, as is being able to maintain own equipment and solve practical problems (i.e. being handy). A drive to improve methodologies and affinity with method development is a plus.
- You show initiative and contribute to the design of experiments and measurements.
Our offer
- A temporary position for a year, with the aim to convert to a fixed contract;
- a working week of 32–40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,057 and €5,057 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7 to 9 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.
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.
Your position will be in the Toxicology division of the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). IRAS is an interfaculty research institute within the faculties Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. Our mission is to provide education and research on the human and environmental health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment, where research takes places within the domains Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health. The Toxicology division is made up of four research groups: Endocrine-, Immuno- and Neuro-toxicology and Exposure Assessment. You will work within in the Exposure Assessment group.
More information
For more information, please contact Dr. Chiel Jonker at m.t.o.jonker@uu.nl.
Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
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.
Apply now
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.
The application deadline is 5 March 2026.
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