Researcher Analytical Chemistry – Water Quality and Health (32-40 hours)

For the Chemical Water Quality and Health team, we are looking for an analytical chemistry researcher with broad interests. Are you a creative and enterprising researcher who wants to translate knowledge about the water chain into practice together with us? Then we would like to get to know you.

The position

In a dynamic environment at the interface of research and practice, you lead research together with colleagues into the detection of (mixtures of) chemical substances, including both known and (yet) lesser-known substances. In a multidisciplinary team of experts, you develop innovations in the field of analytical chemistry and data science and combine these with existing methods. Together, we translate knowledge into the practice of the water chain, to use the insights gained, for example, to make statements about the effectiveness of (technological) interventions in the water cycle.

Your profile

As an analytical chemistry researcher, you possess a completed academic education in a natural science discipline and preferably a PhD in chemistry. You are creative, innovative, and capable of translating complex issues into engaging and actionable research results.

Furthermore:

  • You possess relevant knowledge of mass spectrometry and practical experience in the field of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), chromatography (LC and/or GC), and suspect and non-target screening.
  • You have knowledge of and experience with processing and statistically interpreting spectrometric data and large datasets using R, Python, or a similar programming language.
  • You preferably already have experience applying machine learning models.
  • You are an enterprising, enthusiastic, and results-driven colleague;
  • You make an active contribution to securing research funding and maintaining relationships with both public organizations and industry;
  • You enjoy presenting and publishing research results (inter-)nationally;
  • You preferably have knowledge of the water sector in the Netherlands or comparable international experience;
  • You possess excellent command of the Dutch and English languages, both written and spoken.

The team

The Chemical Water Quality and Health team investigates chemical water quality and its potential health effects in various water systems. We examine a wide range of substances in the water cycle, from pharmaceutical residues and PFAS to micro- and nano plastics. Questions we aim to answer include the influence of environmental conditions on substance behavior and how to identify the presence of these substances by conducting risk assessments. In collaboration with the laboratory and (inter)national partners, we are developing analytical measurement methods that can be used to screen and detect low concentrations of these substances. We pay special attention to substances that are (currently) difficult to measure and are also developing biological effect measurements.

About KWR

Safe and clean drinking water is a great asset. KWR Water Research Institute is an internationally renowned research institute in the fields of water quality, the water cycle, and sustainable development. From our nearly entirely sustainable building, our approximately 200 employees work across two knowledge groups on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, in and outside Europe. The ten Dutch drinking water companies and the Belgian ‘De Watergroep’ are our shareholders.

Our researchers work at the intersection of science, practical implementation, business, and society. Their strength lies in translating scientific knowledge into applicable practical solutions. To support the research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall, and a test pond, and pilot plants are built in-house that are often deployed for (on-site) field research at our clients.

Our offer

KWR is a challenging and committed employer. We offer space and development opportunities to grow according to your own vision. You will receive a thorough onboarding period to take up a position within our projects. Our excellent primary and secondary employment conditions reflect the importance we attach to a good work-life balance. We are affiliated with the CAO Waterbedrijven (Water Companies Collective Labour Agreement). We offer an excellent salary in accordance with the CAO Waterbedrijven, including a Flexible Employment Conditions Budget of 15.49% and a good pension (ABP).

Are you an analytical chemistry researcher with an interest in the water cycle?

Please send your cover letter and CV by email to vacancy@kwrwater.nl no later than April 10, 2026, quoting vacancy number 230850.

If you do not meet the full profile but are enthusiastic about this position, we would still like to receive your cover letter and CV.

More information

For substantive information about the position, please contact Stefan Kools (Team Leader Chemical Water Quality and Health) by telephone at 030-606 9539 or by email at stefan.kools@kwrwater.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact José van Lieshout (HR Advisor) by telephone at 030 – 606 9536 or by email at jose.van.lieshout@kwrwater.nl.

Solicitation in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

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