Senior Research Analyst, Microbiology (32–40 hours)

Clean and safe water is a precious resource. KWR is an internationally renowned research institute, and we contribute to applied scientific research across the entire water cycle. Our mission is: “Bridging science and practice.” Our 200 employees work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, throughout the rest of Europe. The ten Dutch drinking water companies and the Belgian company De Watergroep are our shareholders.

Our researchers work at the intersection of science, operational practice, the business community, and society. Their strength lies in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. To support its research, KWR has specialized laboratories, a test hall, and a test pond, and it builds its own test facilities, which are often used for (on-site) practical research at our clients’ locations.

In this role at the dynamic intersection of research and practice, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and validating analytical methods and implementing new techniques. You will also perform specialized and complex analyses to detect the presence of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, and you will serve as the technical point of contact for these analyses. The work is carried out in support of research and consulting projects for water utilities and other clients. You will primarily use traditional microbiological and molecular biological analytical techniques for this purpose. You will liaise with our internal and external clients, discuss issues and challenges with them, and advise on the practical approach to the work in our laboratory.

• You have (at least) a bachelor’s degree in a relevant Life Sciences field and at least 7 years of relevant work experience;
• You have knowledge of and hands-on experience with classical microbiological and molecular biological analytical techniques;
• You have knowledge and experience in the field of method development and optimization;
• You have an eye for detail and highly developed analytical skills;
• You work accurately when designing and conducting studies and documenting the results;
• You can switch quickly and easily between tasks and are able to combine them;
• You have strong communication skills (including when interacting with internal and external clients), are socially adept, and thrive on collaboration;
• You are driven to achieve results, are goal-oriented, and have a proactive attitude;
• You are flexible and can handle changing priorities well;
• You are quality-conscious and have experience with NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 or a comparable quality management system;
• You have a good command of Dutch and English.

The Microbiology Laboratory (LMB) consists of 12 colleagues. LMB supports KWR researchers and the water sector in applied scientific research on the control and utilization of chemical and microbiological processes in water extraction, treatment, and distribution. The chemical and microbiological safety of the water cycle is also part of this. In KWR’s state-of-the-art laboratory, the LMB conducts research into, among other things, the biological water quality of drinking water, surface water, and wastewater (streams). In addition to legally required microbiological analyses of (drinking) water, the laboratory performs a wide range of supplementary (specialized) analyses. The experts at the microbiology laboratory work closely with the researchers and, together with the chemistry laboratory and seven knowledge domains, form the Research Department.

We are strongly committed to personal growth and career development and offer various opportunities to support these, such as a thorough onboarding process and a variety of courses and skills training programs. A healthy work-life balance is our top priority. KWR offers excellent primary and secondary employment benefits and is covered by the Water Companies Collective Bargaining Agreement, which includes a Flexible Employment Conditions Budget of 15.49%. Depending on your knowledge and experience, you may be placed in salary scale I or J (based on the Water Companies Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Are you the passionate Senior Research Analyst in Microbiology who wants to work with us toward a sustainable society? Please email your cover letter and resume to vacancy@kwrwater.nl as soon as possible, but no later than October 26, 2026, and be sure to include job posting number 262100.

For more information about the position, please contact Ronald Italiaander (Head of Laboratories) by phone at 030 – 60 69 567 or by email at ronald.italiaander@kwrwater.nl.

For more information about the application process, please contact Manouk Odijk, HR Specialist, by phone at 030 – 60 69 559 or by email at manouk.odijk@kwrwater.nl.

You can find more information about KWR and the chemical laboratory on our website (www.kwrwater.nl).

Solicitation in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.