NL
EN

Research Assistant

  • Onderzoeksgebouw VU
  • Amsterdam
  • 0.8 / 1
  • Faculty of Science
  • Research
  • MSc
  • Sluit op
    04-12-2026
  • Publicatiedatum
    10-11-2026
Solliciteer direct
CYANOSPECTRA – Early Detection of Toxic Cyanobacteria in Aquatic Ecosystems for Enhanced Water Quality Management

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
  • 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.

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.

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

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.

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
  • 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.

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.

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

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.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

dr. Volha .U. Chukhutsina

Assistant Professor

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.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

dr. Volha .U. Chukhutsina

Assistant Professor

Sollicitatieprocedure

Stap1

Sollicitatie ontvangen

Wij hebben je sollicitatie goed ontvangen. We streven ernaar om je zo snel mogelijk een eerste reactie te geven. Normaal gesproken is dat twee weken na het verstrijken van de deadline.

Stap2

Screening CV

Een selectiecommissie beoordeelt of je voldoet aan de gestelde wensen/eisen voor de vacature. Bij een positieve beoordeling nodigen we je uit voor een eerste (hybride) sollicitatiegesprek.  

Stap3

1e Gesprek

Sollicitatiegesprekken vinden veelal plaats op een VU- locatie, maar soms word je eerst uitgenodigd voor een videogesprek. De VU maakt hiervoor gebruik van MS teams.
Stap4

2e Gesprek

Voor het tweede gesprek vragen we je meestal om naar onze VU campus te komen. 

Stap5

Pre-employment screening

Het overleggen van een diploma wordt altijd gevraagd bij indiensttreding. Afhankelijk van de functie kan een assessment onderdeel uitmaken van de sollicitatieprocedure.
Stap6

Optioneel antecedentenonderzoek

Afhankelijk van de functie en het bijbehorende risicoprofiel, kan een antecedentenonderzoek door de VU worden uitgevoerd. Daarbij kan worden gevraagd om referenties en/of een Verklaring omtrent Gedrag (VOG) aan te leveren. In het kader van kennisveiligheid kunnen wij ook publieke beschikbare social media accounts en publieke uitlatingen van jou op internet bekijken.
Stap7

In dienst

Welkom je bent in dienst bij de Vrije Universiteit!!

Andere interessante vacatures

Er zijn geen andere relevante vacatures beschikbaar schrijf je snel in voor onze job alert.

Mis jouw droombaan niet!

Deze website maakt gebruik van cookies

Wij, en derde partijen, maken op onze website gebruik van cookies. Wij gebruiken cookies om ervoor te zorgen dat onze website goed functioneert, om jouw voorkeuren op te slaan, om inzicht te verkrijgen in bezoekersgedrag, maar ook voor marketing en social media doeleinden (laten zien van gepersonaliseerde advertenties). Door op ‘Accepteren’ te klikken, ga je akkoord met het gebruik van alle cookies. In onze Cookieverklaring kun je meer lezen over de cookies die wij gebruiken en kun je jouw voorkeuren opslaan of wijzigen. Door ‘Weigeren’ te klikken ga je alleen akkoord met het gebruik van functionele cookies.