Chemical Analyst

Your job Would you like to work with advanced analytical techniques on current environmental challenges? Are you an experienced analyst with a passion for chemical analysis? Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research on environmental contamination and collaborate with a highly skilled research team? Are you proficient in both Dutch and English? We are looking for a driven Chemical Analyst who enjoys working with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), LC-MS and GC-MS to analyse soil, water and organisms for plant protection products, PFAS, pharmaceuticals and unknown contaminants (Non-Target Analysis). Does this sound like your next challenge? Then read on! Your Role As a Chemical Analyst at the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) laboratory, you are responsible for carrying out and improving chemical analyses within a variety of research projects. You work closely with researchers and translate research questions into appropriate analytical strategies. You will have the opportunity to work independently and actively contribute to the optimisation and validation of analytical methods. Your tasks include:

• Preparing samples (including complex extraction procedures) and performing analyses using HRMS, LC-MS and GC-MS;
• Developing, optimising and validating analytical methods;
• Interpreting and reporting analytical results;
• Collaborating with researchers to determine the most suitable analytical approach;
• Ensuring compliance with quality and safety regulations.

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact! Your Team You will become part of the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) team at Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR), consisting of approximately 35 highly qualified colleagues.
The group has its own experimental field station, “De Sinderhoeve”, and laboratories where a wide range of analyses are conducted in support of the research programme. Your qualities You are a proactive, independent and responsible team player who thrives in a research environment where flexibility is key. You also have:

• A completed HBO or HBO+ degree in analytical chemistry;
• Demonstrable experience with LC-MS and/or GC-MS; experience with or a strong affinity for High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) is a strong advantage;
• Experience with sample preparation and method development;
• Preferably, experience with advanced sample preparation techniques essential for broad screening (Non-Target Analysis);
• Affinity with digitalisation and working with complex software packages for data processing and peak detection;
• Strong chemical calculation skills;
• Familiarity with quality systems such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and/or ISO 17025;
• A valid driving licence.

In our international working environment, communication increasingly takes place in English. For this position, B2 level English is required. If you do not yet meet this level, we will of course support you through our language centre Wageningen in’to Language.
We also expect you to have a good command of the Dutch language. We offer Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between €3.231,- and €4.374,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 8). Additionally, For this role a contract for 32 hours can be discussed. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”. Important information For more information about the position, please contact Ms. Sara Ahrari, teamlead team ERA, sara.ahrari@wur.nl , phone: + 31 317 480 089
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jouke van Oostenbrugge, Corporate Recruiter, via jouke.vanoostenbrugge@wur.nl. Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered. You can apply up to and including 6 July 2026. The first interviews are scheduled as soon as possible after the closing date. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before 15 June 2026. Applications are reviewed regularly. Therefore, the position may be filled before the stated closing date. Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization. We are The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus! We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.