Key Skills

Job Description

Want to put your laboratory skills to work in an industry that keeps the world moving? As a Lab Technician at VPS, you will work with marine fuel samples and perform analyses that provide essential information to shipowners and operators around the world. Your work contributes to the quality and safe use of marine fuels and supports the maritime industry in making more informed and sustainable choices. You will join an experienced laboratory team in Barendrecht, where no two days are quite the same. Accuracy, teamwork, and a practical approach are key — and there is plenty of opportunity to learn and develop your technical skills. We also offer attractive employment benefits: a non-contributory pension, VPS covers up to a maximum of € 100 of your health insurance premium per month, and at least 29 days of annual leave. Interested? Read on to find out more about the role and what we can offer you. WHO WE ARE VPS provides Testing and Inspection services to the global maritime industry and is the clear market leader in its niche. With laboratories in the Netherlands, Singapore, Houston, Fujairah, Shanghai and the UK, we support customers worldwide through our commercial and technical advisory teams. Our Head Office and main laboratory are located in Barendrecht. WHAT YOU WILL DO As a Lab Technician, you are an important part of our laboratory operation. You make sure that samples are handled carefully and that analyses are performed accurately and according to our quality standards (ISO17025). Your main responsibilities include: Unpacking and registering marine fuel samples Preparing samples for analysis Performing a range of chemical tests and analyses with XRF, viscosity, Karl Fisher, GCMS and distillation Recording and reporting test results accurately and working with LIMS system Working in accordance with the VPS Code of Practice, quality procedures and safety requirements Keeping the laboratory clean, organised and ready for daily operations Working closely with colleagues to ensure samples are processed correctly and on time You will receive internal training to familiarise yourself with our processes, equipment and specific testing methods. As you gain experience, there is room to broaden your knowledge and develop your laboratory skills. WHAT YOU BRING You don't need to know everything from day one. We are looking for someone who is eager to learn, works accurately and enjoys being part of a team. You have: A completed MBO level 3 education, preferably in Chemistry or a related field At least 1 year of experience as a Lab Technician; relevant experience gained through an internship or similar practical experience is also welcome A good command of Dutch and English, both written and spoken A careful and accurate approach to your work Good communication skills and a patient, practical attitude The flexibility and willingness to work in shifts (08.00 – 16.00 and 14.00 – 22.00) A willingness to learn and develop your technical skills Preferably, you live in or around the Rotterdam/Barendrecht area WHAT WE OFFER You will join an international company with a strong position in the maritime industry and a practical, professional working environment. We offer: A varied position in an international and growing organisation A workweek of 37.5 hours 25% shift allowance for night shifts 50% allowance for weekend shifts 100% allowance for Sundays and national holidays Dinner allowance when working shifts An internal training program VPS covers your pension contribution VPS covers up to a maximum of € 100 per month of your health insurance premium (ziektekostenverzekering) At least 29 days of annual leave Location: Barendrecht, the Netherlands Interested in joining our laboratory team? We would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and motivation to the HR department via [email protected]. To ensure a good match, we kindly ask only candidates who meet the required profile to apply. This position is intended for laboratory technicians and is not suitable for PhD candidates (overqualified) or applicants who do not currently live in the Rotterdam/Barendrecht area.

Core Responsibilities

Handle and register marine fuel samples, prepare them for testing, and perform chemical analyses using methods and equipment including XRF, viscosity testing, Karl Fischer, GC-MS, and distillation. Record and report results accurately, follow ISO 17025 quality and safety procedures, and help keep the laboratory organised while coordinating with colleagues.

Requirements

Applicants should have completed MBO level 3 education, preferably in chemistry or a related field, and at least one year of laboratory technician experience; relevant internship or practical experience is also accepted. They should communicate well in Dutch and English, work carefully and collaboratively, be willing to learn and work shifts, and preferably live near Rotterdam or Barendrecht.

Benefits

• Non-Contributory Pension
• Health Insurance Premium Contribution
• At Least 29 Days of Annual Leave
• Shift Allowance
• Weekend Shift Allowance
• Sunday and Public Holiday Allowance
• Dinner Allowance
• Internal Training Program