Researcher Microbial Water Quality and Health (32-40 hours)

Who we are

Clean and safe water is a major asset. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute, and we contribute to applied scientific research throughout the entire water cycle. Our mission is “Bridging Science to Practice.” Our 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and increasingly in the rest of 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 our research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall, and a test pond, and we build our own pilot plants, which are often used in (on-site) practical research at our clients.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a microbiological researcher to work with and for clients on a project basis to broaden and deepen our knowledge of water microbiology in the water cycle, thereby contributing to or improving microbiological, chemical, and ecological water quality. You’ll do this through applied scientific research, often on a multidisciplinary basis with other researchers within and outside KWR to develop knowledge, methods, and practical tools. You’ll contribute based on your own knowledge, identify market opportunities, actively engage your national and international network, and enjoy the challenge of promoting your research.

Your profile

You are creative, innovative, and have relevant experience or an affinity for microbiology and the water cycle. You enjoy the challenge of advancing our team’s research and generating new insights to solve existing and future challenges within the water cycle. You are a strong team player, customer-focused, and adept at planning and organizing your own work. In short, you are an enterprising, enthusiastic, results-driven team player who actively contributes to securing research funding. You enjoy presenting your work, both nationally and internationally, are adept at inspiring clients, and facilitate effective communication with relevant parties (public, private, and industrial).

Furthermore, you have:

  • A completed academic degree in a relevant discipline such as microbiology, aquatic ecology or environmental (or civil) engineering;
  • The ability to conduct research from an integrated and client-focused perspective;
  • The ability to ensure that multiple research projects yield usable results in parallel;
  • Excellent Dutch and academic writing skills;
  • At least four years of work experience in a national or international research environment or a similar setting;
  • Experience in the Dutch water sector or comparable international experience is preferred.

If you don’t meet the full profile but are still enthusiastic about this position, we’d still love to receive your cover letter and resume.

Our offer for you

We strongly value personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities to achieve this, including excellent onboarding and a variety of courses and skills training. A good work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions and is a member of the Water Companies Collective Labor Agreement, including a Flexible Employment Benefits Budget of 15.49%. Partial working remotely is also an option.

The Microbiological Water Quality and Health Team

The Microbiological Water Quality and Health team works in a dynamic environment, at the intersection of research and practice, investigating microbial water quality and its potential environmental impact in various water systems. We study pathogenic, disruptive, and beneficial microorganisms in the water cycle, the environmental influence on their behavior, and how we can manage these organisms. We develop new molecular microbiological methods and apply these, along with culture methods, to detect (micro)organisms, identify sources of microbial contamination, and understand microbial processes in the water cycle.

In a multidisciplinary team of experts, you will work on the development and application of innovations in microbial knowledge, methods, and water quality assessment. Bioinformatics is playing an increasingly important role in this field. Together with our clients, we put our knowledge of the water cycle into practice. Based on the insights gained from this research, we assess, for example, the effectiveness of technical or other interventions in the water cycle to improve water quality.

Our team consists of twelve researchers with diverse backgrounds and experience. We work together towards our goals in an open, collegial and constructive atmosphere.

Are you the water microbiology researcher we’re looking for? Do you want to advance water science and work with us towards a sustainable society? Then email your cover letter and resume to vacancy@kwrwater.nl before February 16, 2026, quoting application number 230500.

More information

For more information about the position, please contact Leonie Borstlap (Team Leader Microbiological Water Quality and Health) at +31 30 606 9596 or leonie.borstlap@kwrwater.nl.

For more information about the application process, please contact José van Lieshout (HR Advisor) at +31 30 6069 536 or jose.van.lieshout@kwrwater.nl.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

share