The Faculty of Science and the Institute for Biology Leiden are looking for a motivated Research Technician to join the Thirsty Cities project, an interdisciplinary NWA-funded consortium investigating how soils and belowground biodiversity contribute to healthy, climate-resilient urban trees across cities in the Netherlands.

As cities become warmer and drier, keeping urban trees healthy is becoming an increasing challenge. At the same time, healthy trees are essential for supporting biodiversity and improving the urban environment. However, the role of soils and their associated microbial communities in supporting healthy urban trees remains poorly understood. Within Thirsty Cities, researchers and municipalities collaborate to develop science-based solutions for future-proof urban greening. As a Research Technician, you will play a central role in generating high-quality soil data that will be integrated with measurements of soil biodiversity, tree performance, and environmental conditions, contributing to one of the first nationwide datasets linking urban soils to tree resilience.

You will become part of the research group Urban Ecology at the Institute of Biology Leiden. Beyond carrying out laboratory analyses, you will be an active member of the research team, participating in regular group meetings, presenting progress, discussing results, and contributing ideas. This provides a unique opportunity to work in an inspiring academic environment where technical staff are fully integrated into the research process.

Key responsibilities

• Performing routine laboratory analyses of soil samples, with a particular focus on soil nutrient analyses and soil physicochemical properties (e.g. pH, organic matter, texture and nutrient concentrations).
• Processing laboratory data, performing the calculations required to derive soil properties.
• Supporting quality control and data management of laboratory results.
• Assisting the research team with laboratory activities and, where needed, field sampling and sample processing.

Research at our faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science  and  https://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.   

Selection criteria

• An HBO degree (or equivalent) in biology, environmental sciences, soil science, or a related field.
• Experience with routine laboratory analyses, preferably including soil nutrient analyses.
• Experience working accurately with analytical data and performing calculations using Excel or similar software.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to process large numbers of samples efficiently.
• The ability to work independently.
• Good communication skills in English.
• A proactive, flexible, and hands-on attitude. 

Terms and conditions

We offer a 0.8-1 FTE, one year term position. The salary ranges from € 3.057,00 to € 3.985,00 gross per month (fulltime, scale 7, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For more information (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions), see the website.

Diversity and inclusion

Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information & Applications

For more information please contact: Dr. Sofia Gomes (s.i.gomes@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (
HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).

To apply for this vacancy, please submit online your application no later than 30 August 2026 via the blue button in our application system.
Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae