Key Skills

Job Description

Your function Toxic cyanobacterial blooms close swimming areas and threaten drinking-water supplies, so detecting them early matters. The CYANOSPECTRA project detects these organisms in lakes and waterways from the spectroscopic signatures of their photosynthetic machinery. In 2027 the project moves from the lab towards practice. As a researcher, you will help validate this technology together with partners from the water sector and academia, and contribute to laying the groundwork for a startup. Your duties collect water samples in the field and grow cultures of cyanobacteria and algae in the lab measure and analyse the fluorescence and absorption fingerprints of blooms test and validate the technology together with water managers and industry partners contribute to outreach and to the preparation of a startup Your profile an MSc degree in biology, biophysics, environmental science, chemistry or a related field hands-on lab experience; experience with microalgae or cyanobacteria, or with absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, is a plus experience with data analysis, for example in Python or R enthusiasm for working with people outside academia and for fieldwork good command of English As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? Scale 10 (Researcher 4, €3,706–€5,760 gross per month), at least 0.8 FTE, for one year. You will join a small, friendly research group within Biophysics of Photosynthesis at LaserLaB, working where research, technology and real-world water management meet. You will gain hands-on experience of how a lab discovery becomes a product. About Us The Biophysics of Photosynthesis group The Biophysics of Photosynthesis group is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and LaserLaB Amsterdam at the Faculty of Science. We use optical spectroscopy and structural methods to understand how photosynthetic organisms capture light and respond to their environment. We apply this knowledge to challenges such as water quality monitoring. Faculty of Science Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct (https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/code-of-conduct-vu-amsterdam) We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Submitting a diploma is part of the application process. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Core Responsibilities

Collect water samples and culture cyanobacteria and algae in the laboratory, then measure and analyze the fluorescence and absorption signatures of blooms. Validate the technology with water-sector and academic partners, and contribute to outreach and startup preparation.

Requirements

An MSc in biology, biophysics, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field is required, along with hands-on laboratory experience and a good command of English. Data-analysis experience, enthusiasm for fieldwork and collaboration beyond academia are expected; experience with microalgae, cyanobacteria, or absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy is an advantage.